olallie lake 2011

 We're back!  I'm ending another blogging hiatus to let you know we've just returned from a recent vacation up at Olallie Lake.  This trip was a repeat of one we did last year with the addition of mosquitoes, tantrums and letterboxes and a reduction in caught fish.  Still, it was a relaxing week in a beautiful area with great weather.

 Olallie Lake is up in Mt. Hood National Forest within the shadow of Mt. Jefferson in an area home to over 200 lakes and small ponds and endless fields of huckleberries.  By state law the lake is un-swimmable and motorized vehicles are forbidden but it is stocked with rainbow and brook trout.  Apparently the 7,000 fish they released there were caught prior to our arrival though.  Or so say the diligent but unrewarded fishermen.

 As usual, we took a few hikes on this trip.  This time around we used some Letterboxing clues to lead us up new and interesting paths (and into some pretty intense mosquito breeding grounds as well).  (For more info on Letterboxing visit here or here.)  Below are various shots of our circumscription of Monan Lake which Naiya loves for the many plank paths which keep one from treading in the swampy grounds surrounding the pristine waters.

 We were unable to locate the letterbox we searched for there but did find a series of them on other adventures to Timber Lake and Upper Lake.  These hikes were both beautiful and burdensome.  The mosquitoes were out in full force, especially where the numerous small ponds lined the sides of the trails. 
 And then there was the girl child...
 Let it not be said that our every moment is lightness and joy (although the great majority of them really are).  For some reason this time around, Naiya was a rather unpleasant hiking companion.  Her feet were sore; she was tired; she was hungry; she was hot; over and over again, she just could not take another step.  Her loud complaints and screams were enough to keep away all wildlife (except the unwanted insects that continually attacked us).  Coupled with the swarms of biting, flying beasties and the continuously disconsolate child, we practically ran some of these paths carrying her on our shoulders and only saw the glorious flora, fauna and incredible views in a passing blur.

 In the end, we spent the bulk of our time just relaxing around our cabin, hanging out at the beach down the path, swimming at a lake a short walk up the road and doing various natural crafts.

 Of course, mommy brought along baskets full of crafting supplies and we produced quite a collection  of handmade goodness both from natural found objects and things we brought from home. 
 More on outdoor camp crafts to come...