Two weekends ago, Dave and I joined our friends Becca and Tim for a camping weekend extraordinaire at
Buckhorn Campground in Los Angeles Crest National Forest! Here is my photo journal of our relaxing and rejuvenating trip.
I grew up tent camping in campgrounds with showers and toilets. Dave grew up camping with whatever you could carry on a backpack - next to nothing! Dave fought me every step of the way as far as packing went. And in the end he won because we waited until the last minute and I went to work while he worked and packed for the both of us.
I was a little embarrassed when we placed our small banker box and snack cooler next to Tim and Becca's family-size cooler and large Tupperware box full of snacks, food for a "sit-down" dinner, and all the necessary cleaning and cooking supplies. Not to mention our Bunsen burner versus their Coleman stove complete with a coffee peculator. For breakfast Tim and Becca whipped up pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and OJ. Dave and I made oatmeal with some raisins, walnuts and brown sugar mixed in.
BECCA & TIM'S BREAKFAST
Saturday morning, we went hiking. Our final destination was
Cooper Falls. It was only supposed to be a 3 mile hike, but we took a little trip-extending detour thanks to the helpful instructions of some Boy Scouts - or, more accurately, their Scout Leaders! You know who you are.
HIKING
Early on in our hike we came across a small waterfall and swimming hole. A family with three young kids had been jumping off the rocks and rope swing into the pool. The father even showed us how to do it. Not to be outdone by a father of three, Tim eagerly jumped on the rope swing and plunged into the water. None of us felt the temperature of the water before going in - which was a very good thing. As you can see from Tim's expression/reaction, the water was frigid!
COLD TIM
Dave went next. I needed more prep time - but not too much. Dave ate this stuff up! He was having a great time.
DAVE BEFORE SWINGING
Here Dave is swinging. It was hard to get him in focus!
DAVE SWINGING
Look closely at his face -
he can't believe how cold the water is!
DAVE COLD
Caught up in the excitement of the moment and because I could NOT let my adoring audience down (Dave, Tim, Becca and the family of five who's 3 small boys including a baby all went in!), I peeled off my shirt and climbed the rocks to the rope swing. After pausing for some photos, I jumped on the swing and squealed as I pushed off the rocks. I've always loved swinging. And I was not in a hurry to jump in the water. But I could only stall for so long.
LIBBY SWINGING
I did a perfect back flop into the water - I'm the only one that didn't touch the bottom. As soon as my head popped out of the water I started screaming. IT WAS SO COLD! Dave took about 10 photos of me looking as if I'm about to cry. I screamed, "It's so cold! It's so cold!" The oldest little boy from the family of five who had been shy and quiet up until that point started to scream with me, "It's so cold! It's so cold! I know I did it myself!" That made me smile...in a few minutes.
COLD LIBBY
It took the rest of the hike for me to dry off. Good thing I brought my new Patagonia long underwear with me (
Sierra Trading Post). Despite being soaking wet, the hike really was beautiful. And it was much better being cold than too hot. (Note: Becca did jump in the water at the end of our hike - but before I could get out my camera!)
LIBBY AND DAVE ON HIKE
I love these flowers. I believe they are Lupine.
PURPLE FLOWERS
With the giant trees, this area really begins to look like Yosemite and Sequoia National Park.
BIG TREES
Once we climbed down to the bottom of the valley, we were amidst dense green foliage and a rocky creek. The diversity in the landscape was fascinating and beautiful. This is Dave and Tim posing like "Abercrombie models" - according to Tim.
ABERCROMBIE MODELS
When we finally reached Cooper falls, we sat down and had a snack. We opted not to bring lunches since it was a "short" hike - minus the Boy Scout detour of course. I tried not to stare at the 5-inch thick sandwiches and bags of chips being enjoyed by the couple near us. Although they didn't offer to share their sandwiches, they did take a photo of the four of us.
COOPER FALLS
It felt good to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. I was quite happy. As a side note, these are the first pair of sunglasses I've ever owned of which Dave approves (
Buy at Old Navy). He know longer calls me "bug" or some version of "alien." Part of this pair's appeal to Dave is that he considers them kind of nerdy. Whatever it takes...Just another reason for me to be happy!
HAPPY LIBBY
Near the beginning of our trek back to the campsite, Dave's 15-year-old hiking boot broke! Just like that. Hilarious!
BROKEN SHOE
Thankfully, a sweet little Asian lady (aka The Shoe Fairy) came to his rescue! She cleverly tied his shoelaces around the bottom of his boot to secure the flapping bottom. Ironically, she had done the same thing for one of the other ladies in her hiking party!
THE SHOE FAIRY
After our hike we ate some lunch and immediately started on the fire - rather, the MEN got started on the fire. We sat around the fire from about 3pm to midnight. It was fantastic!
MY MAN CHOPPING WOOD!
For dinner that night, Tim and Becca put our canned chili (which we at on Friday night) to shame! However, it did take 4 of us to prepare the meal which were salad and Silver Turtles, an Owens-family original tradition. The Silver Turtles, which you can see roasting on the campfire coals, consisted of 2 ground beef patties, potatoes, carrots and onions all wrapped in 2 layers of aluminum foil and roasted for about an hour. We garnished the Silver Turtles with pepper jack cheese, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. They were hearty and delicious! But, I made sure to save room for S'mores - which we (and by we, I mean mostly Becca and I) indulged in on both Friday and Saturday night! I found that a 3-1 ratio was perfect: 3 marshmallows to 1 S'more!
SILVER TURTLES ON THE CAMPFIRE
Although I was looking forward to a shower, I didn't want the weekend to end. I felt invigorated by my cellphone and internet-free 40 hours in the woods. I didn't even mind sleeping in Dave's truck - a tent is on our shopping list. But not just any tent - an extreme conditions "I can handle Mt. Everest" tent - hence, why it's still on our shopping list. Of course, I did get to sleep in Dave's 0-degree sleeping bag and he slept wrapped in blankets because he got lost looking for REI on Friday before we left - hence, why a sleeping bag for me is also still on our shopping list. But, there's plenty of time for shopping and plenty more camping trips. I hope they're all as good as this one.
THE SELLES & OWENS
With one short interview, Jimmy Fallen has won my heart as the BEST late night show host ever! He is a genius! And I know I'm not the only one feeling girlish and giddy because of Jimmy's show. So how did Late Night with Jimmy Fallon manage to excite and so quickly and assuredly capture the loyalty of women everywhere (and even some men - like Jimmy!) around 25 to 35 years old?...
Zack, where have you been?! It's been way too long since we've seen those knowing looks, twinkling eyes and winning smile. Cute and charming as ever, you haven't changed a bit and neither has our love for you! We've missed you! Although we are thrilled that your acting career is flourishing, we miss your blonde hair and are deeply saddened to learn of your divorce from Kelly. Give love a second chance! Maybe at the reunion...? And thank you for agreeing to come to the reunion! 
I have a few closing questions: 
