During our camping trip at Cougar, we headed to the Ape Caves, which is basically a series of tunnels that were created underground by volcanic activity long, long ago.
The day we went, Josh's "little" brother (who towers over Josh's meager five feet, ten inches) and his girlfriend were with us, which made the trip extra fun!
Growing up, we would visit the Ape Caves nearly every time we camped. I am extremely claustrophobic and not normally terrified of darkness, but the dark down there is unlike anything you can experience above ground, so I always had one flashlight in my hand, and another in my pocket, just in case.
Luckily my boys were not the least bit scared.
We always camp in July or August, so the weather above ground is HOT. As you descend two sets of stairs into the caves, the air becomes cooler and cooler.
Samuel & Tiffanie each took a twin,
and I wore Wyatt in my Ergo.
I love Samuel's sweatshirt-
it says "OUR MOUNTAIN LOOKS GOOD TOPLESS",
a tribute to Mt. St. Helens.
Hahaha!
The boys were so brave. Exploring holes, nooks and crannies,
tumbling and tripping over rocks, but loving the adventure.
I love this one of Tiffanie & Logan.
She's always so great with the kids, willing to help any way she can.
They adore her!
So if I had access to my mom's photo albums, I know there would be at least a handful of pictures of me under this rock over the years. I don't think anyone I have ever traveled into the Ape Caves with has been able to reach it as easily as Samuel was.
He makes it look like it's not that high at all.
And then you look at this one he snapped of Josh under it...
and you see just how high it is!
On Samuel's shoulders, Jack was able to touch it!
So very cool!
Wyatt was a very good sport for the whole hike,
although I will say it was more nerve wracking getting over all the rocks & debris
with him to worry about if I fell!
Happy hikers almost to the finish line!
And here we are on our way out.
I love how Logan is holding my hand.
I just can't say enough how special it is for me to share with my own children the things I grew up doing with my family. I have so many wonderful memories of hikes, camping trips and holidays. I can only hope to provide my children with as many lovely childhood experiences to one day reminisce or share with their children.