Pop a cap

I can't believe today is Aug 5.  Where did July go?  I have an unusual Monday off today. My cohort at work is taking some time off this week so I am home enjoying my second cup of decaf coffee and have no plans of getting out of my jammies.  Tuli may ask me to put on some clothes for our walk -- we'll see.

It's already been a few weeks since our adventures into bear country.  We returned from two days without cell service and interactions with humans other than ourselves revived and refreshed. Amazingly, we had the campground entirely to ourselves.  I did get a little nervous when it was time to leave and hightail it back to work that the truck wouldn't start.  No phones. No people within miles. No work!

The truck started.

The Great Samoan Hunter and I had a ball reflecting on our own family camping trips as kids -- the traditions, the meals, the memories.  We each spent summers at Redfish, and I wonder if we ever crossed paths cruising around on our bikes with our Junior Ranger stickers proudly plastered to our windbreakers. I like to think we did.

I also spent a fair amount of energy this trip willing bears away from our camp.  I don't go anywhere these days without a roll of peppermint Tums in my pocket.  The campground was covered in signs alerting visitors to grizzly bears in the area, food storage bins were provided at each site (just days after we left, a biologist was bitten in the area).  Laying in my sleeping bag munching on my Tums, and I asked the Great Samoan Hunter, "do you think bears like peppermint?"  Don't worry he kept repeating, his 44 magnum hand gun resting next to him, "I'll pop a cap in any bear's ass."  Yes, honey, I think you have the credence to say that.  

We ate great food, we fished a ton, napped, explored beautiful country, I pretended like I was on the Lewis and Clark expedition, Tuli ran and ran and ran and attempted to eat every horsefly in the camp.  It was a glorious 1.5 days away.  I can't wait to go back.  You can come with us next time, but we may blindfold you.

This was the view from our camp.  The Great Samoan Hunter crossed a little island and

Tuli could not stand to be away from him.  

Wait for me Dad!

I am hustling!

Careful now, Tuli.

Didn't see that coming. 

Poor dog.

I think he was contemplating a second attempt.

Never mind.

Defeated.

Forlorn.

He eventually swam across. Funny dog.

Bear spray, check.

First, one should never squeeze their arm against their fly rod in any photos - pregnant or otherwise. Not flattering!  

Second, we caught at least fifty of these little brookies and rainbows.  

It was a quantity over quality kind of trip.

My standard fish photo.  

The Great Samoan Hunter lost this exact fish earlier in the day. 

We returned after dinner and he landed him.  My husband is the man.

French press coffee and pastries in the mountains taste divine.

Apres fish.  Keeping it classy with smoked mussels.

Chicken thighs cooked over coals seasoned only with fresh lemon juice. 

Makes for the most tender, juicy chicken you'll ever taste. Try it on your grill at home.  

Tin foil veggies.

Great day followed by a great meal.  I tried to capture the smores (made with CARAMELLOS!).

Sticky fingers + camera = bad news.

I actually have a recipe to post soon so stay tuned. Have a superb week, all!