Camping at Apache Lake

Today we returned from our Apache Lake camping adventure. It was a great trip! We went with our usual camping crew - the Adams-Urbinatos & the Kennedys plus this time we were joined by Apitchaya Miller and her two girls as well as our good friends the Dominguez family.

The weekend began with a harrowing drive to the Burnt Corral Camping Ground via Apache Junction. It was a bumpy dirt road for about 25 miles - parts of which were one way lanes and bridges. However, I was too carsick to be scared which is probably a good thing. The kids were watching a movie and not paying too much attention to the heights or sights, but Morgan did comment that the ride was 'fun'.

Adam enjoying the view upon arrival at the campsite.

Once we got there and pitched our tents we played for a while, had an enjoyable spaghetti dinner and roasted marshmallows on the fire. Kids of all ages love s'mores!

Making s'mores.

The next day, we drove about 8 miles back down the bumpy dirt road to the Apache Lake Marina. Unfortunately, we didn't get there early enough to rent a pontoon. In fact, the only two boats left were motorized row boats so we got a couple and took turns taking rides. I didn't go (darn), but Jeremy and the kids had a great time. I would like to give it a try next time if we get a bigger boat, have more time and I remember my dramamine. LOL

Daddy & Adam prepare to launch.

Morgan & Anthony model their life jackets.

Playing at the beach by our campsite.

Emily is such a cutie!

On Saturday night, it was our turn to provide a meal. Together with the Dominguez family we made tinfoil chicken fajitas. It was a lot of work to prepare, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. After dinner we made more s'mores and Mary showed me how to make Banana Boats in the fire. Basically, you cut a strip in the banana, scoop some out and put some chocolate and marshmallows in the hole. Then you put the top of the banana back on, wrap it in tin foil and throw it in the fire to bake. Only Mary, Morgan and I ventured a taste, but I thought they were yummy.

Mommy & Adam snuggling by the fire Sunday morning.

Mary reading to the kids.

Allysa brought glowsticks for the kids on Friday night and silly string for Saturday night. She was getting teased for being anti-evironmental for the silly string, but the kids went nuts for it. We just had to clean it up after. Allysa & David also brought a tent for the kids to play in. So smart!

Allysa reveals the silly string to the kids.

Pete post-string attack.

During our stay, Pete Kennedy supervised the crawdad trap that our sometimes camping buddies the Matsch family let us borrrow. We not only caught crawdads, we caught some fish. The kids loved this. They put the catch in buckets to observe then threw them back into the water.

Pulling in the crawdad trap.

We drove home via Globe-Miami which is a longer drive, but less bumpy and more scenic. We drove by Roosevelt Dam so had to get out and take a picture. We ran into Suzanne, Pete & Claire there. They had stopped for a picnic lunch. It was a beautiful view, I can see why.

Anthony, Claire, Morgan & Emily posing by the Roosevelt Dam bridge.

We will definitely go back to Apache Lake again. Our campsite was gorgeous. Right on the water, with lots of shade and decent bathrooms. The partiers were a bit annoying (who launches a boat at 3:00 AM?!), but clearly people who don't have young kids don't know or forget...