Leaving the Concrete Behind

This weekend Josh was able to get Friday off so with an extra day to get stuff done on Saturday we decided to grab a few friends and leave the concrete jungle and head for the mountains.  We rented a van that had just enough room for all of us and made our way to Heavenly Lake.

We were warned by multiple friends that it would be very cold up there.  We were told to wear long johns and expect snow on the ground still. I absolutely hate being cold, so we dressed accordingly.  It took about an hour and a half to drive to the entrance of the park.  From there we all boarded a bus that would take us up the mountain.  I continue to thank the Father for keeping all motion sickness at bay.  Through the twists and turns, steep drop-offs, and altitude climb we were able to make it to the top in about 45 min. – 1 hr.

From the bus stop we then had to trek up the road before we made it to the lake.  And sadly, our well concerned friends were incredibly off in their prediction of the temps.  We didn’t need any jackets, let alone long underwear!!I was grateful to not be cold, but now we had to carry all our extra gear which proved to be a challenge. But at least we weren’t freezing!  And to give them some credit, there was a little bit of snow in the shade. ;o)

Upon our arrival to the lake we set up a blanket and put out the spread of sandwiches, nuts, figs, chips, Cherry Dr. Peppers (that’s right, we found some and surprised everyone with this wonderful drink!) and butterfingers (thanks friends!).  With less food in our bag we were able to cram a few of our jackets in the pack.  Jaden did well with the swarms of people that would come and try to take his picture.  The locals love to take pictures of him and he does well until they try to pick him up.  But Jaden and his friend had a great time climbing near our picnic spot and finding sticks….lots and lots of sticks.

After lunch we all decided to go for a walk.  We weren’t familiar with the area so we went the wrong direction to actually find trails but we did find a boardwalk that went around the lake.  The park was still fixing it up but were gone for the day so we had the entire walk to ourselves.  It was great to get some fresh air and see more trees than buildings.  We found a beach-like area were we camped for a bit.  The boys played in the sand, some of us chatted, some napped, and others explored nearby for good photo spots.  Apparently our “beach” was a prime spot for wedding photos, so we watched as lots of couples dressed in flowing dresses and suits came to take pictures.

We then started to head back to ensure we made it in time to catch a bus before it closed.  Jaden did well but there was a lot of carrying on my part.  Josh had the pack and camera so Jaden would ride on my back or his shoulders when he got tired (or couldn’t stay focused to keep moving forward).  Needless to say, with all the exploring, walking, sand playing and sun, the kid zonked on the bus back.  By the time we made it back home I was just as tired and sore but refreshed from our day out of the city.