Labor Day at Ruth Lake

Labor Day weekend our family headed up into the Uinta mountains for our second foray into backpacking.  Our bishop had recommended a favorite spot, plus Brooklyn needed a chance to try out her new pack.

Talia and Eli, headed down the trail.

It's rare that you long for more weight while packing, but at this point Jason wished he'd brought his ropes.


Unlike our trek up to Lake Blanche, our hike to Ruth Lake was relatively short and flat (less than a mile in distance.)  With a bit of nudging, Annika actually hiked the entire way.

When we asked the kids f about the trail, this was the response we got.


Jason seemed mighty happy too.  He led the family up the bluff on the far side of the lake to the perfect camp spot.

NomiAnn often talks about wanting a house on a lake.  Our tent by a lake is both idyllic and affordable.

Cinnamon bears are the perfect reward for hard-working backpackers.

With camp set up, it was time to explore.  Good thing Eli brought his anti-gravity compass.


No getting lost with cairns like these.

After a bit of wandering, we found a hidden lake.  With no one around to spy, the kids stripped down to their undies for a dip.

All except for Annie, who had her swim suit with her because, well, Annika.


Before long, Jason decided he wanted to join the fun.  I'm sure he was thinking of his good friend Bruce and their polar plunges.  While he ran back to the campsite to fetch swimwear for all, a couple of fishermen discovered our no-longer-private lake.  Mortified to be seen in their intimates, poor Brooklyn and Talia sank down in the water to their necks and waited there shivering until Jason returned.

Warm, dry, and ready for selfies.

As we continued to explore, we found several other lakes nestled in the mountain side.  As you can see from this map, there were many.

Our kids were particularly excited to discover raspberries nestled among the rocks.

I think this one was Naomi Lake.

Once we were back at our campsite, it was time to make dinner.  It's a bit trickier when you have to pump your own water and cook over a backpacking stove, but we managed just fine.

Time to sing taps.

The moon rise was magnificent.

Best of all, we found some leftover fire wood and lit a roaring bonfire.  If I'd known fires were permitted, I would have brought marshmallows for s'mores.

A morning selfie after a relatively decent night's sleep. Never mind the fact that I gouged myself in the leg tripping over a log during a midnight potty break.  Ever so graceful.

Wish they could always be little.

Jason rose early and headed to the top of the ridge to take some pictures.

Looking good, Peanut Butter.

Eli lights our morning fire.

The loveliest of mornings.

More important than it looks, this rock is where our family finished reading the final few chapters of the Book of Mormon.

Even before leaving, the kids talked about how much they want to come back to Ruth Lake.

It's pretty remarkable.

One last photo of our beloved tent.


Fourteen years of use have definitely taken their toll on this treasure.  Unless we work some serious magic with a sewing machine, this may have been our tent's final stand.  Naturally, we had to mourn its demise.  When Charles and Susie gave us this tent as newlyweds, we scarcely could have imagined all the places it would go.

All geared up for the hike out.

The family that camps together, stays together.


Thanks, Bishop James, for the great recommendation.

We will certainly be back.