Gone backpacking

That's right baby. This weekend we are backpacking. For real. By the time you're reading this we've already hiked into our site, carrying all our supplies for 2 nights and 3 days (plus the camera) on our backs, including a tent and shelter.

You know what this means don't know you? I'm going to probably die hiking-in because there's no way our three young 'uns can carry their full loads. Don't laugh. You haven't seen my pack. I'm looking at it right now and I'm scared. Really.

Last week Damien & Celine finished up their summer sewing project - a new backpack for Celine. This photo almost looks like your typical back-to-school shot, except Celine actually sewed that pack on her back and it's full of outdoor clothes, not pencils and paper.

And yes, I do mean she sewed the pack. Damien read the directions and helped prep the pieces, making sense of the pattern and Celine did most of the actually stitching. These two are amazing, I'm so proud of them. Damien for engaging his kids in such meaningful ways and Celine for sticking with it and producing something very useful for herself.

On the day this post actually publishes (scheduled for Saturday) I think we'll be eating this trail pasta for supper, which I just posted to our adventure blog this week. This is a great make ahead camp supper. Here's the kids eating it earlier this month during this camp trip.

Hope you're all having a great weekend. I'm just hoping to survive and have a few good photos to tell the story.

PS. I almost forgot (I actually interrupted my packing to come back and add this) I'm expecting my period this weekend. I'll share more, if it's not too scary, after I've successfully dealt with it. Want to know the sad truth? I've had my period every single camping trip this summer because we've gone camping on a regular four week cycle. But this will be the first time with no facilities. Wish me luck.

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  • kyndale

    kyndale on Aug. 29, 2009, 1:51 p.m.

    Yeah!! I can't wait to hear about the trip. I'm thinking about you right now..What a GREAT backpack Celine made. Really talented, your bunch, you are!!

    I hope the period thing goes well. I have had a couple experiences like that over the years. I always think I'm going to attract wild animals or something! :) Best wishes!! Kyndale

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  • nicola

    nicola on Aug. 30, 2009, 3:08 a.m.

    okay, first, i am relieved to read the distinction for you between the camping and backpacking. i was feeling lame at not having backpacked yet with the kids (friends of ours who used to not be at all outdoorsy and now are, still backpack with their young kids). i thought you backpacked AND camped with them!

    i am SOOOOOOOOOOO impressed with you. AND i am sooooooooooo impressed with celine and damien over that pack!! WOW. (have THEM sew those envelopes you want, renee! hire celine!)

    and ditto...all the trips we have done this summer, i have had my period as well. yuck-o.

    GOOD LUCK. hope no one hugged you too hard with your pack on. bet that would knock you flat.

    nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com

    nicola's last blog post... seeking simplicty

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    • renee

      renee on Aug. 30, 2009, 11:54 p.m.

      Don't feel lame! Backpacking with kiddos is hard work. Especially if you are trying to eat healthy and carry in your tent (ie: don't sleep in shelters).

      Camping was all we could manage for these last couple years until we got our enough quality, light weight gear. Now I'm off to check out your posts from the weekend.

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  • Jody

    Jody on Aug. 31, 2009, 6:39 p.m.

    Wow! Celine & Damien did a fabulous job on the Backpack....LLBean look out! Celine's "Back to Basics,Handsewn Usables" is going to be a very desired line! And Renee.....oh what a nusiance that monthly cycle can be! What does Pooh bear say, "Oh Bother! Not again!" Best of luck! Can't wait for the fun stories & picts.

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