I recently had the opportunity to go rock climbing for the first time in my life. All I have to say is rock climbing is an addictive sport.  My family and I went to Elephant Rock, which is a local social climbing location, just to watch some people rock climb.  While we were sitting there watching people fly up the side of the rock, a guy who was also sitting at the bottom of the rock noticed us watching and asked if any of my children wanted to try it.  My oldest son said he would like to try.  After he tried it, both of my girls wanted to climb.  They all seem to enjoy it quite a bit.

When my children were done climbing, he asked if I wanted to try.  I jumped at the chance because I have wanted to try rock climbing for a long time.

Elephant Rock seemed to be a really good place to learn rock climbing.  The route I climbed was not too difficult, but it was still challenging enough to give me a feel for the sport.  There were several climbs all around the rock.  Some of which appeared to be much more difficult than the beginners route I took.  I am now much more interested in picking up rock climbing as one of my hobbies.  Thanks Vinay!

Sticking with my canoeing theme this week, I decided to record a "how to" video while at Rigby Lake last night.  This is just a quick video that shows how to unswamp your canoe alone once you are to shore. 

Had the camera run longer you would have been able to see me slip and almost fall in the lake.  Too bad the camera was shut off too soon because it really was funny. 

This video was sent to me in response to yesterday's post about canoeing over waterfalls.  It's labelled canoe, but looks like a kayaking contest to me. That kid is skilled in so many things!

This is a good example as to how not to go over a "waterfall" in a canoe.  Sorry, but I laughed. You can watch the whole thing, but if you are short on time jump to the 1:40 mark in the video.

Today I took my family for a little hike to the Cress Creek Nature Trail just east of Idaho Falls, Idaho (Directions to Cress Creek Nature Trail). The temperature was perfect and the views of the valley were great. The Cress Creek Nature Trail is handicap accessible about a third of the way up the trail. It is paved and has small switch backs for wheelchairs. At the end of the pavement the trail turns to gravel for a large loop up the side of the hill with several stations to stop and read information.

The trail is a self-guided lesson about the history of the area, as well as the types of plants that grow in the region. At the beginning of the trail there is a sign that warns hikers of the possibility of meeting a rattlesnake along the trail. I have never seen one from the trail, but do know they are in the area.

Cress Creek gets its name from the watercress that grows in the creek. The creek is fed by some warm springs so the water stays warm enough year round for the watercress to grow and attracts deer, moose, and other animals to the area.

From the top of Cress Creek Nature Trail one can look out over the Snake River valley and see Idaho Falls, Ririe, the Snake River, the Arco Buttes and mountain ranges in the distance if visibility is good.

Camping is a fun family activity and a good way to mix up a mundane summer.  There is something majestic about sleeping under the stars wondering where we all came from and what our purpose here on earth truly is.  Waking up to the sound of nature, not the call of nature, but birds singing with soft breezes whistling through the trees, and breathing in fresh air all night long is very rejuvenating. There is no doubt camping is a great experience.  Camping is a great outdoor adventure for the family because it involves getting away from home and spending time with each other. Tell your kids to leave the electronic devices at home so they can use that thing called an imagination.  There are lots of camping sites out there, including your own backyard, but choosing the right campsite can be difficult especially when camping with little ones. 

Many people like to camp in motor homes while others just want to stay in a regular good old fashioned tent.  Once you decide where to go camping, it is time to discuss the summer vacation with the family. Explain the rules to your children that may exist at your campsite and the general area.  Set ground rules beyond the campsite rules to make your trip fun and safe, creating lasting memories.  When camping with your family, it is often a good idea to make reservations before you go if possible.  One last thing, but very important item, to consider when you go camping is first aid.   If you are going to be camping far from any hospitals make sure you have the proper first aid kit to care for anyone who may get injured playing around camp.  You can find first aid kits at almost any major retailer like Wal-mart or Walgreens.

Other items you may want to bring for your trip include:

Rope, Flashlights, Axe, Firewood, Matches, Marshmallow Sticks, Marshmallows to put on those sticks, Outdoor Games, Water, Paper Cups, and Paper Plates.

Make the trip memorable and have fun.