Canoeing, Camping and Dogs, Oh My!

My parents graciously got us a canoe for Christmas.  We've been too busy the last few weeks to try it out, but made a point to get out this weekend.  We packed up the trailer, loaded up the dogs, strapped on the canoe and off we went.  It was key to find a good place to canoe that would avoid fast boats and wake.  We wanted to take the dogs on the canoe.

It was decided that we would camp near Apache Lake.  We had a spot in mind that we saw two years prior, right on a sandy beach, only room for one camp site....perfect.  Until we got there and saw that the park service closed it off to camping.  Bummer.  Further down we found our home for the night.

We set up the Taj Ma Tent and put the tent on the Jeep for a short jaunt to the water. Bear stayed behind and watched the camp sit for us.  But Elly and Rommel were seated in the canoe, ready to go.  Honestly, I was apprehensive and was completely convinced Rommel would tip us, but they rode like champs.

The lake was beautiful and quiet.

We paddled down to the beach we originally intended to camp at and stopped for a play session.

After lots of running, we hopped back in and made our way back towards camp.

Rommel settled in nicely.

Post canoe trip, we prepared a fire and cook brats for lunch.

We played until sunset, then settled in front of the fire for some much needed relaxation.  The dogs kept begging to go to bed, so reluctantly, Mike and I turned in too.

It was very cold over night, dipping into the 30's.  Luckily, I bought us a tent heater for Christmas.  While we were paranoid about leaving it on overnight, we turned it on sporadically throughout the night and we were nice and comfortable.

Morning came, a new fire was built, breakfast was enjoyed and a good game of chase the car was had.

Even Bear joined in.

Our campsite was in a perfect location.  Tucked in a canyon right off the Apache Trail, adjacent to a beach.

No one, human or canine, wanted the short camping trip to end, but it unfortunately had to.  The Taj Ma Tent was safely tucked away, and we were on our way home.

Camping is hard...

All in all it was a success.  The camp heater worked great.  Canoeing with the dogs went smoothly and we're looking forward to more trips.  If I made New Year's Resolutions, one would be to camp more...I think we're getting off to a good start.