Wanna take my Granddaughter camping

[Jeff K]

Going somewhere the first couple weeks of June, not sure where. Might be our last vacation with her for a while. We want it to be memorable, and primitive camping, not KOA. No place in the US is off limits... Where would you go?

She is 12 and LOVES adventure, bores easily though. Canoe, camp, horseback riding, whitewater... she is up for anything.

[MarkT]

Well I'd look into the San Juans of SW Colorado.  All of those activities and much more, in spectacular settings.  Think about renting a jeep and explore old mountain mining roads, gold panning, horseback riding, camping, hiking, trout fishing, great photo scenes, taking gold mine tours, historic ghost towns and those still solvent; Riding the Durango Silverton Steam train through the Needle Mountain Wilderness along the Rio de los Animas Perdidas (River of Lost Souls) - SPECTACULAR.  Telluride Blue Grass Festival, even the World Aerobatic Hang Gliding Championships, The Four Corners area with the Indian Ruins, a bit further west and you can visit Monument Valley.  She won't be bored.  Back in the 90's my son and I camped on the remains of the old ghost town of Eureka E of Silverton for a week and jeeped the whole area.

[old2soon]

My Father-R I P-said if you had 2 or 3 lifetimes you could NOT see the entire United States. After driving O T R I know now what he meant. As a suggestion If it were me I'd start out with the list of National parks that have the primitive camping you're looking for. And another suggestion-if you see a sign that points out something of interest for you or a side road looks interesting go for it.   AND try NOT to have a set amount of miles to cover each day.   wish I had some specifics fer ya but a bit of a general start anywho!   RIDE SAFE.

[Jeff K]

Well I'd look into the San Juans of SW Colorado.  All of those activities and much more, in spectacular settings.  Think about renting a jeep and explore old mountain mining roads, gold panning, horseback riding, camping, hiking, trout fishing, great photo scenes, taking gold mine tours, historic ghost towns and those still solvent; Riding the Durango Silverton Steam train through the Needle Mountain Wilderness along the Rio de los Perdidas Animas (River of Lost Souls) - SPECTACULAR.  Telluride Blue Grass Festival, even the World Aerobatic Hang Gliding Championships, The Four Corners area with the Indian Ruins, a bit further west and you can visit Monumant Valley.  She won't be bored.  Back in the 90's my son and I camped on the remains of the old ghost town of Eureka E of Silverton for a week and jeeped the whole area.

Mark, if you have any details, links or other that you can contribute, Shoot them to me. This is EXACTLY what we were thinking. Is first of June too early? We were thinking Adirondacks at first but the locals said the black flys would carry us away.

[Jess from VA]

I cannot recommend a particular place, but I think I would prefer a moderate to easy canoe camping trip to lugging backpacks.  You chose a put-in spot and a pickup spot, and have X days to make your distance.  Someone either drives your car to the pickup, or picks you up and takes you back to your car.  I did this in the Scouts and had a ball.  You can carry more gear/comfort/cooler in the canoe than on your back, and throw in swimming and fishing (but flies/bugs could be a problem on the water at the wrong time).  You want enough current you don't have to paddle yourself silly to make distance, but not enough whitewater to make it scary or dangerous.  And you are off the beaten path floating down the river through nature.  I suppose some places would have too many other boaters for my liking.  It's always nice having a small fire at night, but you always have to check rules for fires.  In CA national parks, we could camp almost anywhere we wanted, but only have fires at very limited locations.

Don't watch Deliverance before you go (I think that was filmed in North GA), and I'd look at that and NC for good water trips.

[doc odin]

Another option maybe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) in northern Minnesota.  It  borders Canada, is miles upon miles of lakes, & you can go for weeks paddling, camping and fishing/swimming, etc.  if you're so inclined, without hardly seeing another soul.  It does take preparation beforehand, but it's worth it.  You & your granddaughter would see moose, hear wolves & wildlife galore.      Early June has minimal black flies/mosquito's. 
Whichever direction you head out towards, hoping you both have a great trip!
doc

1997 Green & Cream Tourer

[Jeff K]

I cannot recommend a particular place, but I think I would prefer a moderate to easy canoe camping trip to lugging backpacks.  You chose a put-in spot and a pickup spot, and have X days to make your distance.  Someone either drives your car to the pickup, or picks you up and takes you back to your car.  I did this in the Scouts and had a ball.  You can carry more gear/comfort/cooler in the canoe than on your back, and throw in swimming and fishing (but flies/bugs could be a problem on the water at the wrong time).  You want enough current you don't have to paddle yourself silly to make distance, but not enough whitewater to make it scary or dangerous.  And you are off the beaten path floating down the river through nature.  I suppose some places would have too many other boaters for my liking.  It's always nice having a small fire at night, but you always have to check rules for fires.  In CA national parks, we could camp almost anywhere we wanted, but only have fires at very limited locations.

Don't watch Deliverance before you go (I think that was filmed in North GA), and I'd look at that and NC for good water trips.

Canoe camping was the plan. We used to go a lot when her father was a boy. I called and talked to some outfitters in the Adirondacks and they said early June was not the best because the Black Flies would be bad, we would need fly proof clothing and head netting... does not sound like fun.

 

[Jeff K]

Another option maybe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) in northern Minnesota.  It  borders Canada, is miles upon miles of lakes, & you can go for weeks paddling, camping and fishing/swimming, etc.  if you're so inclined, without hardly seeing another soul.  It does take preparation beforehand, but it's worth it.  You & your granddaughter would see moose, hear wolves & wildlife galore.      Early June has minimal black flies/mosquito's. 
Whichever direction you head out towards, hoping you both have a great trip!
doc

1997 Green & Cream Tourer

We are looking into the Boundary Waters. I thought the same problem with flies was going to be issue there. We were in Labrador many years ago and the flies would carry you away, we got back on the ferry and went back to Newfoundland, no flies there, go figure.

[six2go #152]

Another option maybe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) in northern Minnesota.  It  borders Canada, is miles upon miles of lakes, & you can go for weeks paddling, camping and fishing/swimming, etc.  if you're so inclined, without hardly seeing another soul.  It does take preparation beforehand, but it's worth it.  You & your granddaughter would see moose, hear wolves & wildlife galore.      Early June has minimal black flies/mosquito's. 
Whichever direction you head out towards, hoping you both have a great trip!
doc

1997 Green & Cream Tourer

I can't recommend the BWCA highly enough. My Wife & I went there in "85" for vacation and it was the best vacation we have ever had. We were/are not campers, we rented a wilderness cabin and took daily canoe trips from there. Lots of hiking/portage trails to allow for some "leg stretching" too. There are tons of outfitters in Ely who can set you up with just about any type of get away you desire.

[Jess from VA]

Canoe camping was the plan. We used to go a lot when her father was a boy. I called and talked to some outfitters in the Adirondacks and they said early June was not the best because the Black Flies would be bad, we would need fly proof clothing and head netting... does not sound like fun.

I've been on the water with attacking bugs .... It was BAD.  Anchored on shore (22" Chris Craft), no bugs at all right up until dusk, then swarmed bad enough to lose your mind.  We had to up anchor and didi out into open water, and get the boat cover on. (Great Lakes)

You're in FL aren't you.  Maybe farther South in GA, NC, TN, SC might be better timing bug-wise (and warmer).  

I always thought mules down into the Grand Canyon might be fun, but when you look at the drop-offs from the mule trail it looks like you'd want a parachute for the ride up and down.  The nature down inside the canyon looked breathtaking.  

There's always flying and renting an SUV and car camping (day hiking) the Grand Tetons.  But it might still be frigid out there in early June.

Took the wife backpacking in Sequoia natl pk CA in early June, and it snowed a freezing blizzard.  And every trail was straight up the mountains and really hard work with full packs. That's one way to ensure the wife will NEVER go backpacking again.

[MarkT]

Well I'd look into the San Juans of SW Colorado.  All of those activities and much more, in spectacular settings.  Think about renting a jeep and explore old mountain mining roads, gold panning, horseback riding, camping, hiking, trout fishing, great photo scenes, taking gold mine tours, historic ghost towns and those still solvent; Riding the Durango Silverton Steam train through the Needle Mountain Wilderness along the Rio de los Perdidas Animas (River of Lost Souls) - SPECTACULAR.  Telluride Blue Grass Festival, even the World Aerobatic Hang Gliding Championships, The Four Corners area with the Indian Ruins, a bit further west and you can visit Monumant Valley.  She won't be bored.  Back in the 90's my son and I camped on the remains of the old ghost town of Eureka E of Silverton for a week and jeeped the whole area.

Mark, if you have any details, links or other that you can contribute, Shoot them to me. This is EXACTLY what we were thinking. Is first of June too early? We were thinking Adirondacks at first but the locals said the black flys would carry us away.

I can't say if June is too early.  Weather in the high country varies a lot - though there's plenty to do at lower elevations.  I wouldn't try to do jeeping trails that early - some go to timberline, and shady places will likely have snow drifts.  I've taken the Durango-Silverton NGRR round trip (45mi one way, at 15mph) in May, and the steam fell back onto the train as snow.  Actually it was interesting. Camping, trout fishing would be good, as well as rafting would be peak with good water flows from high country runoff. I'd be more inclined to visit the San Juans in July or later to ensure all options are available.

Google for Grand Mesa - a flat-top mountain with over 100 lakes, fishing & camping NE of Montrose; Glider flights are available N of Durango; search for events in Telluride; check out http://www.mesaverde.com/ If you were to rent a bike (or trailer yours) the riding is amazing throughout the San Juans.

[LandElephant]

You really haven't told us what she likes. History, civil war, things like that. I took my grandson to Inzane last year (he was 11) and he had a blast riding and catching the local history. We mined for gems, went to avintage airshow, rode everyday, museum, and still had time to vist with old friends of the VRCC. Sometimes they just want time with their grandparent. Attention is the word I'm thinking.

Sometimes you can plan too much or activities that are to identical. But some good suggestion.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[..]

N GA, W NC or along the Blue Ridge Parkway?

http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/camping-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway.htm

[Serk]

Nothing constructive to add, but here's a secret photo of his granddaughter after spending time with him:

[Bugslayer]

Dang.... Now I want to go camping! 

[..]

There's primitive camping in the forest around TWO, Suches, GA. Copper Creek is one area that springs to mind.

There's primitive camping in the forests, each side, along the whole length of the Cherohala Skyway.

There's primitive camping along the western side of Lake Santeelah near Deals Gap. Joyce Kilmer Rd.

http://freecampsites.net/#!Georgia&query=region

[doc odin]

The black flies and mosquito's in early June are not too bad, because you likely will still have some frosty mornings.  By the end of the month, and into July, they are out and will try to carry you away! But, in early June the ice is off the water, and in the bays and shallow lakes its great for swimming.  The other canoeists also start coming later in June, so early June is ideal.   

doc


1997 Green & Cream Tourer   

[Jeff K]

The black flies and mosquito's in early June are not too bad, because you likely will still have some frosty mornings.  By the end of the month, and into July, they are out and will try to carry you away! But, in early June the ice is off the water, and in the bays and shallow lakes its great for swimming.  The other canoeists also start coming later in June, so early June is ideal.   

doc


1997 Green & Cream Tourer   

Where? I don't see a location in your profile.
Boundary Waters?

[doc odin]

Yes, BWCA.  Sorry for that!
doc

[Black Pearl's Captain]

She is 12 and LOVES adventure, bores easily though.

Having went out into the BWCA once myself, I don't see a 12 year old typical girl being all that excited paddling out where we went AT ALL. Once the wife and I had the tent set up after 8 hours of paddling we were BORED SENSELESS. We turned around the next day and went back to the car.

yes it's beautiful and tranquil but boring often comes with tranquil for us type A adrenalin junkies. I know it's a great place if you like to hear yourself breath and read poetry for hours on end.

If you still live in Florida I'd take her to the Chattanooga area and see the sites and hit a river there for some canoeing or white water. Maybe even a tandem hang glider (or sailplane or ultralight) ride from Lookout Mountain Flight Park.

Be prepared for temps in the low 20's in early June anywhere near Telluride - durango Silverton CO. No canoeing there, cold azz water for rafting at best.

[cookiedough]

I'm with the post above about BWCA in Ely MN.  It would be boring for a 12 year old girl unless she really gets into nature and isolation and canoeing and hiking.

About 10 years ago we went up near Grand Marias MN and hiked all those waterfalls in the woods up there along the Lake Superior shoreline and went hiking up near Ely MN as well just north of there first 2 weeks of June. 

Black biting flies sucked in the woods during day, but my kids at the time were younger (4 and 7 or so) and went crazy tromping thru the woods to the waterfalls, didn't care about biting flies.    They hurt to and swell up some darn bugs,  but wasn't horribly bad nor the mosquitoes during the day, but at night, the skeeters were bad,  but didn't get bitten up a ton just enough to be pretty annoying and HUGE skeeters at that up there.  Most 12 year old girls wouldn't like that am sure.    Am sure though 1st 2 weeks of June camping is better than last 2 weeks of June and is tolerable for most. 

I'd guess try to stay more local, do different things, since just camping and canoeing/fishing would be boring for most 12 year old girls.  Just my 2 cents. 

I like the CO ideas MarkT had seems different and enjoyable to me. 

[bentwrench]

12 is also the perfect age to get them a passport book for our national parks.Each park and national monument has a ranger station to time and date stamp the book.All the youngsters in my family have gotten them and are now aware of how many great parks and places of historic value there are to visit.

[J.Mencalice]

Going somewhere the first couple weeks of June, not sure where. Might be our last vacation with her for a while. We want it to be memorable, and primitive camping, not KOA. No place in the US is off limits... Where would you go?

She is 12 and LOVES adventure, bores easily though. Canoe, camp, horseback riding, whitewater... she is up for anything.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  You and your granddaughter will not be disappointed.  Promise.

[Jeff K]

12 is also the perfect age to get them a passport book for our national parks.Each park and national monument has a ranger station to time and date stamp the book.All the youngsters in my family have gotten them and are now aware of how many great parks and places of historic value there are to visit.

Well here is the deal... When I was a kid we went on family vacations, when my kids we young we took them on vacations, camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing... all over the place and even into Canada.
My Granddaughter parents are split, both have new families and she has never been on a vacation that wasn't with Joanne and me. If left up to her father and mother she would never have been out of Florida. They can never find the time or money to take meaningful vacations. It seems that people always find money for the things that are important to them, but this isn't one of them. Last year we took My son and his entire family with us instead of just my granddaughter. I thought it would spur them into doing things on their own. No such luck. We are getting worried that the day is coming when her friends mean more to her than going on trips with the old folks. So we want to make this year a big one. Just in case it is the "grand finale". She has done more in her short life than her entire family put together. And we love taking her with us.

[J.Mencalice]

Glenwood Springs is about as 180 degrees from Florida as you can get (low vs. high); it is located about equidistant between Vail and Aspen.  It is in the heart of the mountains and the Colorado River runs right through it.

It has the White River National Forest all around it and wilderness in the back country.  That means hiking, creek & river fishing, guided rafting, kayaking, horseback rentals for trail riding, mountain bike trails, a bicycle trail through Glenwood Canyon, jeeping, small game hunting year round, big game hunting in fall, a mountainside "theme" park, and all the amenities from restaurants to lodging.

The jewel of the town that everyone comes to partake of is the Hot Springs Pool that is the largest in the western states and is about as relaxing a place to spend the evening after a day of all of the above.
You don't have to travel far to access what you want to experience; it is truly a destination that doesn't require you to pack up and drive daily to get from one place to the next "a la road trip".

Once you get there, you are there.  Plan ahead and you can pack a whole lot of vacation into a week's time.  You can do the town or do the wilderness.  Two weeks would absolutely optimize your experience.  All of you will never forget the place and want to come back.  Winter is an amazing time there and that is a whole 'nother story.

Good luck. 

[Wewaman]

AZRA = Arizona Rafting Adventure
They have 3 trips to choose from the 14 day puts you in at the Glen canyon dam and takes you out after 14 days of rafting, camping, hiking and exploring.
The 6 day trip starts with the 14 day people and hikes out(up) the bright Angel trail,  7 miles up very strenuous..   they do offer donkeys both up and down.
The 8 day trip are people who are replacing the 6 day people, but they have to hike down the bright Angel trail.  That is what my brother and I did in July 96.
 It will be an experience you will never forget.  They feed you well and take great care of you.
You will spend nights on the mighty Colorado river in a tent, or not just sleeping under the stars was fantastic.  You regulate the temperature by how close you sleep to the river.  You will spend your whole trip with about 20-25 other adventurers including the guides.
You will get to see the Grand Canyon from the bottom while rafting the Colorado River, you can choose to go on any of the hikes they offer.  
Havasu falls is worth the hike , beautiful blue water.
The narrows is a long 10 miles hike that you get to take and see where the water starts at , coming out of the side of a canyon wall and then follow it till it becomes a water fall into the Colorado River, all the while  hiking and seeing how it cut it's way thru the rock , IE; the narrows.

Truly a memorable time, it was for all those that were there.

There was a blind lady who went all 14 days.

we had a lady who brought her violin, several people brought guitars, I brought my harp (harmonica) and sometimes we would just float with all 5 rafts tied together and play and sing.
 
Worth checking into,

Tony

[cookiedough]

12 is also the perfect age to get them a passport book for our national parks.Each park and national monument has a ranger station to time and date stamp the book.All the youngsters in my family have gotten them and are now aware of how many great parks and places of historic value there are to visit.

Well here is the deal... When I was a kid we went on family vacations, when my kids we young we took them on vacations, camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing... all over the place and even into Canada.
My Granddaughter parents are split, both have new families and she has never been on a vacation that wasn't with Joanne and me. If left up to her father and mother she would never have been out of Florida. They can never find the time or money to take meaningful vacations. It seems that people always find money for the things that are important to them, but this isn't one of them. Last year we took My son and his entire family with us instead of just my granddaughter. I thought it would spur them into doing things on their own. No such luck. We are getting worried that the day is coming when her friends mean more to her than going on trips with the old folks. So we want to make this year a big one. Just in case it is the "grand finale". She has done more in her short life than her entire family put together. And we love taking her with us.

Sounds like she is a great kid who behaves and is respectful and deserves a good vacation for a change.  Not that I know the entire scenario of her parents issues, but maybe though her parents do not enjoy going on expensive out of state vacations, but that doesn't sound like the case?  I can see, in a way, their parents viewpoint not going on expensive vacations and maybe you nor I know their entire splitting of ways circumstances?  Maybe they each have bills to pay being separated now?  Maybe they want that fancy toy spending money on material items  that will last for years vs. blowing 1-2 grand on 1-2 week vacations ?  I'm sort of the same way as they are, but do enjoy taking mini-vacations mostly close by not costing 1-2 grand for an entire family for 1 week or so.   I'm like why spend 1-2 grand (or more) on 1-2 weeks of vacation when that 1-2 grand could be used for a house payment or to payoff a car loan?

We do though want to go out to CO this June with the family driving there before our high schooler is out of the house and Glenwood Springs idea above sounds like a good suggestion.  I'm also for rafting in AZ the Grand Canyon, both sound like fun and adventurous for a 12 year old who seems to need a vacation from time to time.  Just don't over-do it, but both sound more fun than the BWCA, unless she is into isolation and nature and canoeing/hiking/just camping is about it. 

I think there is a ton of scenery and things to do naturewise in CO and Utah and AZ that is surely different than the more boring midwest here.    We went to Alabama/Florida in June a few years ago mostly hitting the beaches (ocean never seen before) and seeing the local sights and enjoyed it, but I think the nature and views/scenery side of CO, AZ, and Utah sound like more of what you are looking for. 

[DenverDave]

Glenwood Springs is about as 180 degrees from Florida as you can get (low vs. high); it is located about equidistant between Vail and Aspen.  It is in the heart of the mountains and the Colorado River runs right through it.

It has the White River National Forest all around it and wilderness in the back country.  That means hiking, creek & river fishing, guided rafting, kayaking, horseback rentals for trail riding, mountain bike trails, a bicycle trail through Glenwood Canyon, jeeping, small game hunting year round, big game hunting in fall, a mountainside "theme" park, and all the amenities from restaurants to lodging.

The jewel of the town that everyone comes to partake of is the Hot Springs Pool that is the largest in the western states and is about as relaxing a place to spend the evening after a day of all of the above.
You don't have to travel far to access what you want to experience; it is truly a destination that doesn't require you to pack up and drive daily to get from one place to the next "a la road trip".

Once you get there, you are there.  Plan ahead and you can pack a whole lot of vacation into a week's time.  You can do the town or do the wilderness.  Two weeks would absolutely optimize your experience.  All of you will never forget the place and want to come back.  Winter is an amazing time there and that is a whole 'nother story.

Good luck. 

More info on this web site

http://www.visitglenwood.com/play-outside

Also nearby, with a little history thrown in:

http://marbletourismassociation.org/

[Jeff K]

12 is also the perfect age to get them a passport book for our national parks.Each park and national monument has a ranger station to time and date stamp the book.All the youngsters in my family have gotten them and are now aware of how many great parks and places of historic value there are to visit.

Well here is the deal... When I was a kid we went on family vacations, when my kids we young we took them on vacations, camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing... all over the place and even into Canada.
My Granddaughter parents are split, both have new families and she has never been on a vacation that wasn't with Joanne and me. If left up to her father and mother she would never have been out of Florida. They can never find the time or money to take meaningful vacations. It seems that people always find money for the things that are important to them, but this isn't one of them. Last year we took My son and his entire family with us instead of just my granddaughter. I thought it would spur them into doing things on their own. No such luck. We are getting worried that the day is coming when her friends mean more to her than going on trips with the old folks. So we want to make this year a big one. Just in case it is the "grand finale". She has done more in her short life than her entire family put together. And we love taking her with us.

Sounds like she is a great kid who behaves and is respectful and deserves a good vacation for a change.  Not that I know the entire scenario of her parents issues, but maybe though her parents do not enjoy going on expensive out of state vacations, but that doesn't sound like the case?  I can see, in a way, their parents viewpoint not going on expensive vacations and maybe you nor I know their entire splitting of ways circumstances?  Maybe they each have bills to pay being separated now?  Maybe they want that fancy toy spending money on material items  that will last for years vs. blowing 1-2 grand on 1-2 week vacations ?  I'm sort of the same way as they are, but do enjoy taking mini-vacations mostly close by not costing 1-2 grand for an entire family for 1 week or so.   I'm like why spend 1-2 grand (or more) on 1-2 weeks of vacation when that 1-2 grand could be used for a house payment or to payoff a car loan?

We do though want to go out to CO this June with the family driving there before our high schooler is out of the house and Glenwood Springs idea above sounds like a good suggestion.  I'm also for rafting in AZ the Grand Canyon, both sound like fun and adventurous for a 12 year old who seems to need a vacation from time to time.  Just don't over-do it, but both sound more fun than the BWCA, unless she is into isolation and nature and canoeing/hiking/just camping is about it.  

I think there is a ton of scenery and things to do naturewise in CO and Utah and AZ that is surely different than the more boring midwest here.    We went to Alabama/Florida in June a few years ago mostly hitting the beaches (ocean never seen before) and seeing the local sights and enjoyed it, but I think the nature and views/scenery side of CO, AZ, and Utah sound like more of what you are looking for.  

Mom is a Muumuu wearin substance abusing welfare leach that had her kids removed from her home.... After she split from my son she had 3 more kids from two different guys.

So I don't think Mom is saving up for anything, or making payments on anything, and she isn't ever going on any vacation... ever.

My Son strives to make it from day to day, that is his only goal. Not a high achiever, but he pays his bills and is a good father. He has custody of my Granddaughter.
 

So I don't think you are "sort of the same way as they are" or at least I don't think you are.

We take my Granddaughter on vacation with us almost every year. She has done and seen a lot. We took her with us this winter up to Sayner Wis to go snowmobiling. This Florida girl was piloting her own on the second day.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9FFpIwjQpLA

I'm like why spend 1-2 grand (or more) on 1-2 weeks of vacation when that 1-2 grand could be used for a house payment or to payoff a car loan?

To each their own but I want to die knowing I've seen and done as much as I could with this life. Our bills are paid, I have money in the bank, I don't mind pissin in a few grand to make our lives more
enjoyable!

[Jeff K]

I used to be able to embed video, but not anymore?

Likes fishin



Not so big on the catchin part though...









Those are my feet... I was drowning ;-)



She is a lot like her Grandpa...






She is coming to stay with us for spring break, we are going to plan this years adventure!

[Jeff K]

Every year we give her a hard cover picture book of all the things we did together. She will never forget.
 

[Brewer]

Every year we give her a hard cover picture book of all the things we did together. She will never forget.
 

Keep doing active things and the memories will be there. The book sounds like a great touch.

[The emperor has no clothes]

You are doing a great service to your granddaughter. (But you didn't need me to tell you this) I'm with you on enjoying life, if you can afford to do something DO IT ! I'm not sure how much time or money you have to spend on this. But I would throw in a recommendation for a trip to AK. There are many exciting and fun things for kids and adults to see and do. A trip into Denali Park would be memorable. Lots of different fishing, hiking, outdoors things also. Whatever you guys do I'm sure it will be GREAT  

[Jeff K]

So, it looks like we will fly into Colorado Springs, and drive from there. She isn't a fan of pointless driving. I figure we will start with something like...

[..]

So, it looks like we will fly into Colorado Springs, and drive from there. She isn't a fan of pointless driving. I figure we will start with something like...

Can you fit in a drive up Mt. Evans? 14,256 feet and you can drive all the way to the top!

[Jeff K]

Good idea! Keep em coming!

[cashman]

I can tell you that the Columbia River Gorge has excellent camping, hiking, water sports, and breathtaking scenery.  I don't think you could go wrong!!!  (near Portland Oregon)

[hueco]

Don't matter where you go. Just go. I lost my grand daughter February 5th. She was 2 and 1/2 years old. You should get on your knees and thank God that you have a grand daughter to take camping. I will never have that in my life.    

[eric in md]

So, it looks like we will fly into Colorado Springs, and drive from there. She isn't a fan of pointless driving. I figure we will start with something like...

jeff looks great but dont miss the million dollar hwy.  leave colorado springs go to pikes peak, south 115 ,to rt50 canon city find skyline drive its only a few miles long look it up, then run rt 50w to gunnison  south on 149 aww down thru the rio grande  thr royal bridge is so cool also , west on rt 160 to durango north on rt 550 stop at ouray hot springs pool . then head to utah moah we did this ride route last yr just beautiful i tell ya ..

[Jeff K]

Here is the updated plan...

Not a big fan of this mapping software.