There had been big talk and practice for Desmond’s first camping trip, but unfortunately mother nature wasn’t quite cooperating for a the perfect fall overnight (rain, low temps). Dad had taken the day off to chaperone Des’ class trip day to the very same pumpkin patch as Monday, so he floated the idea of having a special adventure- going out to the lake, canoeing, picnic, hiking. Des’s decision was instant, and turns out, it was the perfect fall day for a lake adventure.

Dad has been canoeing a lot in his life, including the merit badge for which he tipped a canoe over on purpose, flooded it, then emptied the water from it while treading water. But Des sitting ready mid-hull gave dad pause, much like that first time driving your first born home from the hospital and fear reassesses one’s driving skills. Instinct kicked in quickly though and the first father/son canoe shoved off.

What do you do after the newness of paddling in the middle of a lake wears off? Go scout the coast for wildlife. “Ahoy captain, there be turtles!”

It was also quite windy- the canoe was facing north when dad had pulled the paddle out of the water and due west in this picture.

Arrowhead Lake is about 25 minutes east of Council Bluffs and the first spot dad camped with grandpa, just beyond the right side of the photo-

There will be other days for learning camp cooking, this was a picnic for maximum fun and yumminess

When dad had returned from packing the car, Des was just chilling in his chair, watching the geese

He’s clearly ready to go hiking

Scoping a few good spots for the (hopefully) nice camping trip in the spring

Starting what ended up being a fairly long trek

Critter stop, as you do

Des surveying the campsite dad and his friends usually select

Another caterpillar! He was pretty excited to see so many furry friends

Have to have a good hiking stick

Photo credit: Desmond, via the remote

Dad pointing out where he first camped

A core memory for sure.

“Sure Des, you can walk down and throw stuff in the lake.” This could have ended poorly, but didn’t.

Dad: While I felt in denial of this adventurous boy turning four (mourning or whatnot the bumbling toddler days clearly past), today’s new experience left me so giddy for the future. Though the perfect fall weekend for his first night camping wasn’t in the forecast this year, it was the perfect fall day for a lake, canoe (!), picnic, hike and nature exploration. My soul is finally at peace with our Desi turning four- and all the new days, treks and conversations it will bring.

He was out before completing the first mile on the interstate

Ella continuing her joy/fear relationship with the car wash, this time with preemptive hand-holding that began before even entering

“Hey sister, try to bounce on this balloon and pop it!” It ended just as you would expect.