I have done it 4 times now and this was Britton's 2nd. We had gone in 2009 with Maressa, Kaelan, and Koriel. This was Britton's first experience leading a group of teenage girls in an activity. He did great, and we had awesome girls! They were all troopers and everyone carried their own weight. One girl forgot her sleeping bag though, so Britton gave up his and shared mine with me... You can imagine how well that went. Luckily we took Rusty hiking with us so he kept me warm, snuggling with him. Rusty did a great job hiking we but a pack on him and he carried all my water and snacks all the way to the top of Wheeler and he does not have the ego problem he was totally content being the caboose with me. They made a new trail that switchbacks a lot more so it was not to bad, 3 miles long now, but a lot easier to manage, minus the lack of oxygen. All the girls made it to the top, but we did not stay very long because of 60 mile an hour winds that would have blown the little 100lb. girls right off the mountain. The wind is definitely annoying but a blessing too, no bugs and never got hot. :) It made me excited to take my kiddos hiking and camping when they get old enough to carry a pack. and made me really excited to go to girls camp with Elle when she turns 12. :) Britton says he still rather go to Boy's camp then Girl's camp.... silly guy.
Rusty actually really like swimming in the ice cold water
Wheeler peak annd Rusty in the background
Thank you to Danielle, Mom, Dad and Maggie for keeping Conway and Elle! Thanks for making it possible for us to get away, and taking such good care of them! We love you all so much!