Wyatt’s first camping trip – West Clear Creek

West Clear Creek
Coconino National Forest
07/16/11 – 07/17/11

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With Wyatt secured on David’s back we hiked down to West Clear Creek. Along the way we crossed paths with a couple of canyoneers heading back to their car after a descent of Sundance. After a joking conversation on the merits of starting kids canyoneering before they are able to verbally complain we continued down the trail. Once reaching the canyon floor we found a perfect spot for lunch and a swim. Briscoe rolled in the sand as Wyatt babbled at the sandstone walls, looked up at the bright blue sky and examined some grass growing by the banks of the creek. We continued up stream boulder hopping and log crossing into the alcove where the final rappel of Sundance touches down.

We camped on the rim not far from the entrance to Shamrock Canyon. As David set up our monster tent Wyatt looked up at the trees and laughed. Before dinner with Wyatt snuggled and sleeping on David’s chest we took a walk through the forest at twilight. With nobody else around we walked in silence occasionally speaking in hushed tones so to not wake Wyatt. The light glowed softly through the the trees as we got back to camp. As night fell both Briscoe and Wyatt were mesmerized at the flickering campfire.

In the morning, after a night that could have been a lot worse, (Wyatt only woke up twice) we took another walk along the desolate forest roads before packing up and driving back to the Valley. It was the perfect first camping trip for Wyatt and a joy to experience Arizona’s rim country with our child for the first time. The best part is knowing how much the future holds.

– Laura

Wyatt and Laura sit by the campfire.

Wyatt sleeps in the Bjorn on David’s chest during an evening walk along the forest roads on the rim of West Clear Creek.

Wyatt is all smiles at our campsite on the rim of West Clear Creek.

Wyatt, Briscoe and Laura take in the alcove of Sundance Canyon.

Briscoe crosses a log over West Clear Creek.

Wyatt gets his feet wet.

Laura swims in West Clear Creek.

David looks out of the canyon alongside Wyatt.

Wyatt and David along West Clear Creek.