Bear Lake 2009

The Whole Gang - all 49 of us!!

Our gang - all 6 of us!! (after 3 days...a little scruffy/stinky!!)

The annual Bear Lake camping trip was a big highlight of our trip out to Utah. Every year we gather the Smith family, near and far, to Bear Lake for some great camping, eating, visiting, boating, swimming, beaching, campfiring, and whatever else we can think of. This year was no different...a BLAST!
The trip begins with loading up a trailer full of stuff to take with us. Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, chairs, coolers, luggage, food, and toys all go up. We then stagger up to Bear Lake depending on the time of day we leave. The first afternoon is full of setting up and visiting the beach as soon as possible. The grandkids (all 30 this year) all play and roam and visit. It's such a great time.
Day Two was spent with the beach and the boat. This year we rented a boat and were able to take large groups of kids out a time to tube/ride. It was a great way to involve more kids in the water activities. That boat ran all day with 4-5 different drivers and all configurations of kids. In fact, at the end of the day as David and Austin drove it back to the marina it ran out of gas and they had to be "rescued" by the rental place with a tank of gas. It was all a good day!

And those who didn't go out on the boat found plenty of fun things to do at the beach. Many frogs found themselves prisoners to the Smith children while others stood guard. Running along the beach and splashing in the water was a favorite activity of the little kids.


The second night we were there was cut short by a sudden windstorm. Tents were flattened sideways, and our trailer was rocking in the strong wind. We had a card game group of kids in the back and played a movie in the front of the trailer for a lucky few who ventured over. Most everyone else just had an early night after all the excitement.

The third day the wind never did stop. It was a very windy, slightly cold day at Bear Lake. We had the waverunner, which was fully utilized, with some new teenage drivers this year!! McKinley particularly liked the waverunner and spent time going "really fast" with Dad!

The bad part about Bear Lake is always the last day...that things have to come to an end. The morning is spent cleaning up and packing up and heading home. Dirty, tired, and with great memories!! Can't wait until next year!