Posted by C.J.
The “guys-only” camping trip to Governor Dodge State Park could not have been better. It was a quick trip–just a day–but it was the perfect length for getting a four-year old interested in camping.
DAY 1
David and I arrived at the park around 12:30, set up camp, ate a quick lunch and then went down to the Lost Canyon Trail to find Stephens’ Falls and the spring house. We spent an hour at the base of the falls, wading in the creek and gabbing.
When our feet got sore from the sharp little pebbles that line the creek bed, we took a walk further down the trail. I’d never explored that area of the park before. I had missed out. The trail runs at the bottom of a ravine
and criss-crosses the creek with simple wooden foot-bridges. In some areas, the creek is split by huge boulders. In others, fallen trees lie across the stream bed, making perfect balance beams for little boys. It was ideal…at least until David slipped off one of the balance beams and took a bath. Back to camp we went.
Campground, hot dogs, and s’mores rounded out the day and aside from a minor burn on the inside of my mouth (note to self: metal marshmallow skewers get hot when they’re placed in the fire), we enjoyed every bit of it.
The only downside to the day was that the raccoons in Governor Dodge were a bit, um, friendly. As soon as the sun went below the horizon, the coons marched into our site. In some cases, they’d walk within six feet of me to get to our food. Ultimately, it wasn’t a big deal; I put our supplies in the car and the raccoons went to pester someone else. A fine day.
Day 2
After David and I broke camp, N. and the girls came down to the park for a picnic lunch and hike; they even brought our dog, Ana. We ate by the lake and then returned to Stephens’ Falls and the Lost Canyon Trail to complete our explorations. Everyone loved it. The kids and dog waded and then we walked the length of the trail. It was amazing.
Tired kids. Tired dog. Relaxed parents. A perfect trip.
