Camping Trip in Sam Houston National Forest, May 2000

Here we are loaded down with our new backpacks and camping gear, getting ready to hike about two hours into the forest to our campsite. A relatively short hike like this will allow us to ascertain whether our backpacks will be comfortable for extended hikes and to break in new hiking boots.

Water is the heaviest item to carry. We had a total of three gallons for the two of us for the hike in, the night of camping, and the hike out. We needed almost all of it. One thing that we found invaluable was a "Platypus," a collapsible plastic container that has a drinking tube which we could attach to the strap of the backpack for sipping while we walked.

Below, after having set up for the night, we are relaxing by our tent. Next you see us cooking a delicous dinner of vegetarian chili.

We had a wonderful sleep under the trees and stars and enjoyed the sounds of the forest. Fireflies, which I called "lightening bugs" as a kid, were abundant. That's the first time I've seen fireflies in years.

After this, now we're ready for some SERIOUS hiking and camping!