The Sierra View Camp, one of many backcountry campgrounds in Henry Coe State Park, makes a great destination for a family getaway. The campground is located a mere .8 mile from the park’s headquarters, an ideal distance for backpacking with toddlers! Come and join my family as we venture into the woods!

On Mother's Day weekend May 11, 2002 my wife Stacy and I decided to take our two daughters Hannah and Sarah backpacking. At almost 4, Hannah is a backpacking veteran, having been to Yosemite's backcountry, the Emigrant Wilderness and here at Henry Coe State Park. At 15 months old, this will be Sarah's first backpacking trip. She is no stranger to camping though, having spent one night near Yosemite 6 months earlier.

After we checked in at the park's headquarters and paid $2.00 for our permits, we were off towards Sierra View Camp. Hannah is anxious to get going and wastes no time leading the way.

Sarah has the best seat in the house, riding in the Kelty Explorer child carrier. Seems like just yesterday that Hannah was riding in here. How time flies.

After a few hundred yards of climbing, the trail to the Coe Monument begins. We are keeping to the road for now, but Hannah wanted her picture taken beside the sign. Who could say no?

As we are walking Hannah says rather bluntly, <em>"I don't think hiking is a good idea"</em>. This can't be my child! I know she was a little tired, but I had to laugh. Nothing like a child's honesty. If only us big-people were that way.

With every turn in the road a new experience awaits. It is nice to stop and take in the surroundings.

With all of that hiking we all get a little thirsty. After mastering the Bite Valve, Hannah is drinking like a pro…

..while her sister Sarah, well…this is still just a game!

The trail leads us past fields of "itchy-grass" as Hannah calls it, and trees like this.

I made a wrong turn at a trail junction, costing us about 100 yards. Hannah is checking her map, <em>"This is where we are supposed to go."</em>

After correcting our course, we get to the trail marker for Sierra View Camp. Hannah is all too happy to get her picture taken again.

After traveling about 200 yards from the trail marker we get to our home for the night. This is a very toddler-friendly campground. There are no cliffs, streams or lakes to worry about.

There is plenty of open space for the little ones to play in, a nearby spring to get water from and of course an outhouse for…well you get the picture!

From the doorway of my tent I can almost see the Sierra. How truly blessed I am to be able to spend this time with my family.

<em.For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams."</em> ~Isaiah 44:3-4

We take one of many walks up the hill near the campground…

…a chance to explore new sights, new sounds…

…and to smell the "thlowers".

As evening draws near, we head back to camp. It's time to relax and get ready for dinner.

Hannah chooses to relax on a camp chair…

…while Sarah kicks back in Mommy's arms. Ah yes, to be young and carefree.

Tonight's menu is kid-friendly as well. Pizza for dinner and fresh-baked brownies for dessert. Stacy was happy about the brownies too.

Bedtime for the kids and time for mom and dad to relax a bit before turning in as well. My new Petzel <em>Tikka</em> LED headlamp also makes a good nightlight. It was on all night and still shines as bright as it did the day before.

After a good night sleep Sarah is ready for another day.

Another happy camper ready to start another day!

<em>"…Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."</em> ~Psalm 112:1-2

After a pancake breakfast and a little playtime, it was time to pack up for our journey back home. Hannah confidently leads the way.

One last stop to look at the spring before we move on.

While our journey was short and our load was heavy, our memories and experiences could not be measured.

It has been said: <em>"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."</em> ~Proverbs 22:6 Until next time…