Wow it’s been awhile since my last post. The last few days we met up with some good friends and there’s been no down time to sit on phones and write. But let’s go back a few days to before then.

Our last day of the Sawtooths we decided to check out a roadside hot springs. We got all ready, hiked down to the springs only to realize it was hot enough to melt your skin. Lol Not the hot tub like feeling we were hoping for. So we tried mixing the river water with it. Matt was able to get partly in but it was still just too scalding hot for us girls.

Afterwards we headed to do a small hike from Pettit Lake to Yellowbelly Lake. The smoke was back and probably the worst we’d seen yet so our views just weren’t as nice but Maisey had a good time exploring.

The next morning we went and played down by the lake one last time. We were sad to leave but looking forward to meeting with friends and seeing some new places.

Saturday we woke up to rain clouds which worked out because we knew today would be more about Maisey getting to explore. We also woke up thinking about those other camping spots we saw on the mountain. So we made our way with just the truck to scope it out. One thing about Idaho we’ve noticed is there’s no shortage of camping and they are the king of dispersed sites. It’s amazing!

We headed to Stanley Lake Campground. Hard to tell just how pretty it was from all the dreariness but being right off the lake had promise. We immediately found a spot that looked like it could have a beautiful mountain view so we snagged it.

Then back to get our trailer we let Mais play a bit and then take a good 2 hour nap before moving completely. On the way through town we stopped to get a couple groceries and then noticed the sign across the street that said, “Home of the Churro Ice Cream Bowl”. Ummmm yes please.

The next morning we woke with the most gorgeous mountains shining in front of our site. We definitely made the right decision. After breakfast Matt took Mais off to wander around the lake and through the woods while I got ready and packed us up. We hit the road for a hike that was back down near Sun Valley. With the majority of the hikes near Stanley being 10+ miles we needed something shorter for Maisey and it appears they’re all further south. Guess we left the area a little too soon.

Norton Lakes hike was 4.8 miles with 2.4 straight up and 2.4 straight down. Once at the lake we chilled out, Matt went for a swim and we threw rocks. When it was time to go we flew down the mountain as fast as we could in order to make the long drive back to camp in time for dinner.

Camping: Stanley Lake Campground

Hike: Norton Lakes (4.8)

3 weeks down, 3 weeks to go! Friday we woke for the most beautiful day yet. Blue skies and pure sunshine. It was the perfect day for our Sawtooth Lake Hike via Iron Creek Trail (10 miles). It was also the day we needed to check out of our campsite and find somewhere new. We packed up and dropped our trailer off at a boondocking site by the Salmon River and the main road. We knew it got just enough service that we could figure out hiking plans for the next few days.

On the way to the trailhead we saw so many camping spots we started to wonder if we should move again. Something to think about on the hike. When we arrived we were greeted by a sweet girl who worked for the parks service and told us about a mama and her cub that were spotted that day so to make plenty of noise on the trail. First thing I thought was…no problem here, we’ve got Maisey who loves to chat it up!

The first 4 miles of the hike were fairly easy. A steady climb up with some gradual switchbacks. We hit Alpine Lake and got some amazing views as we kept on the trail (this time much steeper) for the mile left to Sawtooth Lake. Mais got to see a couple of horses coming down the trail carrying a little dog which she loved.

Just before we hit the top she fell asleep in the carrier. So we decided to just keep her strapped on while we ate in hopes she’d get a good nap. It didn’t last. So instead of a long relaxing time at the lake we started walking again to try and rock her back to sleep. We headed down and realized about halfway that there was no going back to sleep. Lol So we plopped down and let her play.

Back to camp I cooked up some pizzas and we played by the river before heading to bed.

Let me say, this entire trip I have put Mais down and then when she wakes crying 3-4 hours later have gone and just co-slept with her. It has been so lovely and so rough at the same time. I love being able to cuddle her but man has she struggled with her sleep and her bed, even with a mattress topper is so uncomfortable. Matt keeps thinking I should let her cry it out and she’ll be fine….which is probably true. But I struggle because I know her world changed and her schedule went out the window and I feel like it’s hard for her. So days like today when we’re on a trail for 10 miles and she barely naps the nights are even worse. I’d say that’s the one thing I’m looking forward to when we get home. Getting her back on a schedule. It’s amazing how much kids really do need it. And this mama needs a full night of sleep again. Oh and if you’re wondering why not just have Matt do it some nights…we’ve tried. She is full blown attached to mama right now.

Camping: Salmon River 1

Hike: Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek (10 miles)

Wednesday morning we woke up with a plan to take it easy, spend time at camp, let Mais play in the lake again and chill. When we woke up it was apparent a cold front had come through and so we bundled up in lots of layers. The cold front also must have pushed the smoke through because we could finally see the beautiful mountains in the distance. Yay!

With a recommendation from a friend we headed to town for breakfast at Stanley Baking. They didn’t steer us wrong. I had a cinnamon roll that was oh so delicious and definitely not gluten free.

We took Mais down to the Salmon River to check it out. She had fun but with no rocks to throw in she wasn’t as amused. Back to camp for a nap and then off to the lake we went.

Thursday we had planned to do the Sawtooth Lake hike but I woke up in a little funk and missing home. Also Maisey has been extra clingy to me and especially whiny. Maybe she was always this whiny at home and I don’t remember it but I think I just needed a day to decompress, get some me time and take care of things like laundry and planning the rest of our trip.

So Matt took Maisey to do the Saddleback Lake hike and I made my way back to Stanley Baking this time sitting on the patio with the most amazing breakfast burrito and Milky Way coffee drink just soaking in the calm. Afterwards I wrapped up laundry…after my last post you can only imagine how dirty Maisey’s clothes get. Then a little trip planning, some Amazon orders sent to a friend we will meet up with next week and back at camp to clean and read in the hammock.

Around 5:00 Matt and Mais got back and filled me in on their amazing hike. Matt said he got off trail at one point and it made their summit up 10x harder but that’s Matt. Refuses to try and find the trail to get back on track cause he knows he can make it there regardless of where he’s at. Me, on the other hand wants to make sure I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. 😂

Back in the carrier he said she slept a full 1.5 hours soundly and was so much more content. Looks like we just aren’t ready yet for the backpack transition.

Camp: Glacier View Campground

Hike: Saddleback Lake

Matt and I celebrated our first campsite stay with a few drinks the night before which made for a very lazy and slow go morning. We hung outside a bit and Maisey yelled “quack” at all the birds. I’ve been trying to teach her that’s a “tweet” but all birds right now are quacks.

Around lunch we headed out to do the Benches Lake trail which was around 8 miles. This trail was basically all sand and dirt. Maisey was in heaven. We let her walk the first quarter mile and it took about 30 minutes because she was so infatuated with grabbing the dirt and dumping it on herself. She likes to try and fill our shoes with it too….so that’s fun. Lol By the time we got up the trail she was so covered she looked like a little homeless child. Hey, she was happy and that’s all that mattered but we sure got a kick out of how she looked.

We sat at the first lake and had our snacks and threw sticks in the water. Then we headed to the second lake where Matt wanted to run off and explore while us girls hung out. We were the only ones there which made for a serene but nerve wrecking feeling. Nerve wrecking because after about 20 minutes I noticed something moving in the trees a bit away from us. I thought it was Matt but then he never came. A few minutes later with my eyes darting around us I heard something close. I turned around to see a mule deer maybe 30 feet from us eating. At first I jumped and then when I realized what it was I grabbed Mais and we walked over near him. He let us get super close and just continued to eat. A few minutes later Matt came around the bend and we headed back down.

Mais was due for another nap since she didn’t sleep well on our way up. Actually she never sleeps well in this new carrier and it’s been frustrating for us and her. On the way down she passed out but 25 minutes in she looked uncomfortable and was fussing. I tried fixing her position, giving her pillows, anything to help but it was useless. She got more and more upset and had a complete meltdown. I ended up just taking her out and hip carrying her down the mountain. (Not easy I might add) So back to the old Baby Bjorn carrier it is.

On our way back to camp we stopped at Redfish Lake for a little nature bath for our dirt bucket. This lake is so perfect for her because she can walk around in it since so much of it is so shallow.

The smoke from the fires here in Idaho are covering the sky more and more each day it seems like. We spoke to a local who said this was the worst drought they’d seen. We keep hoping for some rain or cold front to come in and maybe help clear up the skies.

We decided to go on a little hike in the Sun Valley area and according to AllTrails, Proctor Loop was highly popular. It was about 4.5 miles with a 1,000 foot climb. Once we got to the top we were a little underwhelmed. Not sure if it’s because of all the haze or the rolling hills instead of the jagged mountains we tend to love. So instead I looked at it as a good workout for the day. 💁🏻‍♀️

Once back to camp Maisey and I played in dirt and the river while Matt went on a mountain bike ride nearby.

The next morning we decided to move on up north closer to Stanley and where we had camping reservations next to Redfish Lake. Leaving day always consists of a good cleaning. This year I brought a dust buster and with a snack munching toddler and no Vader nearby it’s been one of my best last minute decisions.

When we arrived we parked at a nearby boondocking spot and headed out to a short 4.5 mile hike (Fish Hook Trail). After the hike we decided to scope out our camping spot we would be moving into. When we did we realized it was empty and talked to the host about moving in early. We ran to grab our trailer and get settled. Because it had been sitting in full sun in 95 degrees it was HOT inside. We tried opening all the windows and letting it cool but after trying to get Mais to sleep and us both in a full sweat I asked Matt to crank the generator just for a few minutes so it could cool down and she could fall asleep. Unfortunately this led to a grumpy neighbor and a little confrontation. Each year it seems we run into one not so nice camper but one out of all the many amazing ones isn’t so bad.

We decided it was time to move on and head towards a new destination and one that is new to us this year….Idaho. Neither of us had been but heard and seen amazing things about the Sawtooth Mountains. Just one little pit stop along the way….Camping World to get stairs. 🤦🏻‍♀️

As we drove in we noticed just how hot Idaho was. We’re talking 95 degrees…I actually think my watch told me it was cooler in Dallas. We thought as we got north we’d be getting colder but so far it’s actually gotten warmer. So wild.

We pulled in late after a long drive to North Fork Road Dispersed Camping. In order to get settled we snagged one of the first spots we found. It worked but we knew there was a chance for even prettier spots further up the road. We had some amazing cell service at this spot though so we weren’t sure what to do. The next morning we made the drive and found the most beautiful and perfect site we’ve seen to camp at. But of course zero service. After a quick weigh of options we packed up and grabbed the new gorgeous site. 😍

After we setup at the new spot we knew this would be the most amazing playground for Maisey so we stayed all day to just hang out, explore, read books, take naps and sit by the river.

Today we woke up extra early so we could head into Jackson Hole with Matt and he could do a bunch of work calls and meetings while Maisey and I had some fun of our own. Well …that fun included laundry so I guess it wasn’t all in fun.

After dropping off our load we headed to have some breakfast at a cute little place called The Bunny Bakery. It was delicious and they had the most amazing coconut flavored latte I’ve ever had. I seriously need to figure out how to recreate it. Maisey did so good I didn’t even have to bust out the iPad. Lol

After breakfast we headed to a local park to play. Then back to finish laundry and back to the park again. Matt finally met up with us and we decided instead of hiking to find a cool lake we could hang at. Jenny Lake is by far one of the most beautiful but also extremely crowded so we headed up to Jackson Lake and walked around until we found a decent spot. The views were beautiful but the beach was a bit uncomfortable with all the rocks…which as you know actually made Maisey one happy girl. ROCKS!!

Afterwards we headed in so I could cook some dinner. Taco Bowls were on the docket. As you all know I don’t love to cook and am not good at it so camping food ideas is really straight up my alley. Tacos, pizza, pasta, done! Lol

Last year we were in a mad dash to get home so the Tetons was a quick one day stop for us. So this year we’re back and settling in for a few days.

The drive into the Tetons is always epic but this gas pit stop where we could throw Maisey on a dinosaur was our favorite part. She wasn’t as into it as we were. Lol

We rolled into our boondocking site and were able to grab the very last open spot. Win! With a later arrival we just hung at camp and played, cooked dinner and relaxed.

We had some weird neighbors on one side that weren’t too happy of our arrival and then a cool guy on the other side with his awesome Land Cruiser that I was obsessed with taking pics of with the sunset.

The next morning we got up and headed out to Jenny Lake and took the boat over to the bottom of Inspiration Point. Last year we hiked to it around the lake but this year we wanted to do the Cascade Canyon trail too and it was already 9.1 miles so we shaved off the additional 2.5 to get to the base of the trail not sure if Mais would last over 11 miles.

It was a pretty busy trail but gorgeous every turn and actually even though it was considered moderate it felt pretty easy.

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Maisey is still getting used to her new carrier. We can’t decide if she just loves to lounge in it and look around dada or if she slides and gets stuck in this position. Either way I feel like this girl needs a pillow!

At the end of our hike we remembered the pic we got of Mais with Jenny Lake behind her last year and decided to do it again. Turns out the two pics were exactly 369 days apart. Almost a year to the day!

One last Walmart trip before leaving (insert disgruntled voice and fist shake) Breckinridge! We headed up to Steamboat which was an easy ride. Not sure what we’d do without the ipad, snacks and our crayons on the road though. Lol

We found some nice boondocking with great reviews and headed that way. It took us all the way to the very top of a mountain and lucky for us no one else was there. So we snagged our spot and gorgeous view (although a little smoky from the Cali fires).

Matt noticed one of the sway bars for the hitch broke too so we drove into town foe dinner and tried to figure out how we were going to get replacements for that and our steps. I mean the step stool works but is an accident waiting to happen. Hello! We all know how clumsy I am.

The next day we headed to do the Rabbit Ears Peak Trail. A moderate 5.5 mile hike and this time we busted out the new backpack carrier for Maisey. Let me just tell you she HATES being put in this thing but is happy once she’s in and you’re walking. And you better be walking…no stopping allowed. Lol

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After the hike we decided to check out of Steamboat. We may not have given it a true chance but after a week in Crested Butte it’s hard for any other Colorado town to compete for us. And Steamboat was HUGE. Too big of a town and not enough hikes that called our name.

So onward and upward to the Tetons!