Another trip out into the mountains, because apparently staying home and acting like responsible adults just isn’t our thing. Papa Bear grabbed the pups, loaded up, and took off down the road. He was on a mission to get the hell out of Dodge and enjoy some freedom, fresh air, and the great outdoors.
This trip had a few rough patches right from the start. Cell phone issues were making things interesting, and finding a campsite was nearly impossible with so many campers already settled in by early Thursday afternoon. But eventually, Hartman arrived, and the two men spent some time catching up while getting camp set up and organized.
Meanwhile, I stayed behind and headed to Missoula with Gma Thursday night for her doctor’s appointment, planning to make my way to camp afterward.
That night definitely did not go as planned.
In the wee hours of Friday morning, Gma fell and broke her hip. What was supposed to be a simple trip to get Gma to her doctor’s appointment quickly turned into a trip to the Emergency Room instead. What should have been a quick appointment turned into a very long day filled with doctors, tests, waiting, and trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
By the end of it, Gma was headed into emergency surgery to repair her broken hip.
It was one of those days where life reminds you just how quickly things can change. I spent the day worried about Gma and trying to make sure she was taken care of, while also knowing Papa Bear and the pups were already waiting for me at camp.
After an incredibly long and emotionally exhausting day, I finally made my way to Boulder Friday night. I was completely worn out, but the second I arrived, I was just happy to be there and reunited with everyone. Sometimes you don’t realize how badly you need that mountain air and a little escape until you’ve had one hell of a day.
Saturday was spent doing what we love most: exploring on the side-by-side (SxS).
We rode the trails, took in the beautiful scenery, and enjoyed being out in the mountains. The pups got plenty of opportunities to swim. Some went into the water willingly, while others apparently needed a little encouragement. Papa Bear made sure everyone got to enjoy the water one way or another, and there were plenty of laughs along the way.
Hartman’s new pup, Spur, quickly stole everyone’s attention whether they wanted him to or not. He is cute as can be and absolutely overflowing with energy. Watching him and Whitty run around camp, playing, exploring, and generally causing puppy chaos was pretty damn entertaining.
Sunday, Crazy Kristie came out to stay the night so she could escape some of the chaos of everyday life. Papa Bear and I were excited to have her join us. We took her out for a ride on the SxS and spent the day simply enjoying nature, good company, and the slower pace that camping brings.
Of course, no camping trip would be complete without a little entertainment, and this weekend definitely delivered. There was plenty of laughter, muddy paws, and lots of Hartman’s ass showing because apparently his pants have decided they no longer want to stay where they belong. Some things just become part of the camping memories whether you planned for them or not.
This weekend was filled with fresh mountain air, adventures, laughter, muddy paws, puppy chaos, and quality time with the people who matter most.
Sometimes the best memories come from stepping away from everyday life, embracing the unexpected, laughing at the ridiculous moments, and simply enjoying the slower pace of life together in the mountains.
Another weekend away. Another reset. Another set of memories we’ll carry with us long after the camp is packed up and the mountains are behind us.
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