We try to include the Dudes in the plans for the day or the week. Kids get a feeling of security out of knowing when, how, where and why. But, when you are traveling, plans change… a lot. Being late in the season, we decided to make a quick trip back to the lower 48 following the route we came up. Then, a road washed out and so did our plans. Fortunately, the change of plans landed us in a piece of paradise.
left: There was lots of wildlife to be seen on our new route including herds of Buffalo.
right: Our new route was breathtaking and very photogenic!
The scenery was spectacular on the new route down the Alaska Highway through the Yukon. I tried to do schoolwork with the Dudes but I couldn’t concentrate as I found myself jumping up every few minutes to take pictures. We decided to stop for lunch at Muncho Lake thinking it would be a nice spot to take a break.
The next pull off happened to be a campground by the lake. Mucnho Lake is the largest natural lake in the Rockies and the huge mountain chain begins right here. Since there was not a picnic area, we pulled the rig up to an empty campsite next to the water for a picnic.
The sun was beaming radiant warmth, the water was pristine and calm, the mountains surrounded the lake with Fall color and by the end of lunch, the Hippygeek said to me “I want to stay here”. I said, “O.K.”
So, our plans changed once again. The Dudes didn’t seem to mind as they were already building castles on the beach and the Princess was enjoying a rare few minutes of off leash time.
The Hippygeek found a site with a private beach, the best site in the almost empty campground. We pulled in and immediately found ourselves at home.
right and below: Our private beach.
I couldn’t wait to sit in a chair and vegetate by the water which is what I ended up doing most of the day. The Dudes built castles, moats and boats and the Princess swam to her hearts content.
left: The Princess gives herself a message.
right: The Big Dude runs on the beach.
We all spent the afternoon enjoying our piece of paradise in our own way, watched the sunset over the mountains and had a campfire under the stars. Part of enjoying paradise is recognizing it when you see it. The Dudes have had so many different experiences now that I think they are beginning to recognize special places and special moments. I just hope they can carry that skill into adulthood.
“If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh
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