I have met some pretty amazing people throughout my life time. One of whom is Lisa. Lisa is like this pint sized pistol that loves her chickens and garden and loves hiking even more. The summer of 2018, she and her partner worked as camp hosts for the Panther Creek Campground in Skamania county, WA. This also happens to be the area with the most big foot sightings in the nation.
Stone and I were newly living the single parent life. Sweet Cream was in my possession after a few months of body work, clean up, and prep. It only made sense to combine the two and make our way to the campground in the westy.
We set off in the late morning after a round of coffee for myself. I feel like I have to specify that so folks don’t believe I caffeinate my baby. He did one time drink one third of my Dutch Bros while I was washing my truck….stinker. Stone got comfy sitting up front with me and fell asleep soon after we hit I-5 south. And that boy slept almost 3 hours until we reached the Wind River Hwy. We set up camp next to Lisa’s camper at the host site. Perks of the weekend were that we didn’t have to pay for camping and Lisa had a full outdoor kitchen set up.
Sweet Cream did amazingly on the freeway and even through some of the backroads we took. I admit that I got semi-lost on the way down and stumbled upon another campsite a family had set up in the middle of the woods. We got to do minimal off roading to turn around and find the right site. She’s not built for that just yet but it is a goal of mine to one day swap out the running gear for syncro (4×4) gear. She would be almost unstoppable then.
After getting in our hugs and getting settled, I let Stone roam the woods near our campsite. This area isn’t well known for bear activity but there are mountain lions (as well as the occasional Bigfoot). There were enough campers around that I felt pretty comfortable letting Stone loose. He climbed over fallen limbs, picked up random sticks and bugs, got leaves in his hair and dirt on his face. He is definitely a brave, fearless soul.
After Lisa did a check through the campground, we set off for the creek. Stone ran the gravel roads and said “hi!” To everyone. He especially liked one family’s jeep and he kept saying “jeep! Issa Jeep!” Whenever we would pass by. The creek was another opportunity for Stone to run free. I didn’t even change his clothes. He walked the creek bed, picking up sticks and splashing in the water. Then he went for it. He walked out into the water, moving large rocks and ultimately changing the course of the waterflow. Pretty accurate metaphor for what I hope he will continue to do in the future – navigate areas that seem scary, pick himself up when he falls down, and move obstacles to change the future. I stayed back and just watched, laughing with Lisa at this little soul. Since he had moved the rocks, the current picked up and he found himself unsure of how to get back. He called out for me and I splashed out to get him, with the biggest grin, holding his hand as we walked back.
We ate a simple hot dog dinner, made a lovely fire, and roasted marshmallows for s’mores. Stone was careful around the fire but also curious as usual. I got him settled into bed and made my way back to the campfire. Lisa and I were able to catch up on recent events. I guess I should also state that Lisa is my ex-husband’s cousin. I kinda got his family in the divorce. She was one of the few that I confided in when I was struggling with the fallout of separating. It had been a messy process. She understood where I was at and what I was experiencing. Additionally, she had just lost her father too. It was comforting to find a kindred spirit at that time.
The next morning, we took our time getting up and getting going. Lisa made us breakfast and coffee while Stone did his usual exploring. We took a quick drive to the Panther Creek Falls trailhead. Stone hopped into his Osprey carrier pack and we set off. Panther Creek Falls is impressive, and I don’t think my photos really do justice. We hiked to the top lookout over the falls. The bottom hiking trail was closed off due to another hiker falling to their death earlier in the week. Other people were still taking the trail and in a different scenario, I would have too. But with a baby in tow, I was now responsible for more than just my safety.
I told Lisa it has always on my bucket list to walk across the Bridge of the Gods. The bridge is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Washington. There is no designated space for foot traffic. You walk along side cars and trucks and vans. The wind whipped our hair and pushed us along. I am sure a lot of folks looked at me as if I was crazy for walking a baby across the bridge. Stone looked over, staring at the water and watching a train pass below. Thankfully, Lisa caught some great photos of us.
We stayed one more night at camp and set off for home the next morning. We stopped by a cute, little coffee stand on the way out. Totally delicious. Stone got to sample the whipped cream on my latte, topped off with a chocolate covered espresso bean. As we drove away, Stone gazed out the window at the passing trees, hugging his stuffed wolf. Then we shared some laughs as he rocked his Chewbacca mask. A perfect weekend trip.
