Meet the Campers
“The Planner” – Caroline
I am definitely someone that enjoys the planning phase of taking a vacation. I love doing research because it makes me feel like we’re getting the most out of each trip. We went to Walt Disney World in November/December 2016. I planned the trip so well that I got all of the dining and fast pass reservations we wanted. By the end of our week I felt we had seen EVERYTHING at Disney World we wanted to.
Age: Older than my kids. Ha!
Favorite Trip:
Favorite Hike: Sandy Stream Pond Trail, Baxter State Park, Maine (even though we waited…and waited…and waited and never saw a moose.)
Favorite Place to Camp: Mount Desert Campground, near Acadia National Park
Most Memorable Experience: Driving on the Mt. Washington Auto Road
“The Photographer” – Kris
One of our most memorable trips as a couple was our trip to Smokey Mountains National Park in November 2006. We planned a hike to Ramsey Cascades. At that time we had little hiking experience and probably wasn’t in the best physical shape to be attempting this hike. It was 4 miles out (8 miles round trip) and gained 2000′ in elevation. It offers beautiful scenery along the trail to the tallest waterfall in the park. I mention all of this for one reason. We were not even a quarter of a mile from the trailhead when we spot a black bear up ahead. I did exactly as we should have. I made noise, I kept eye contact, I walked backwards slowly. Not Kris…he was too busy changing the lens on his camera to get a better picture. He’s the only person I know that takes more camera gear in his hiking backpack than essentials. But if it weren’t for him we wouldn’t have some of the amazing pictures we do.
Age: Same age as Caroline
Favorite Trip:
Favorite Hike: Ramsey Cascades in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Favorite Place to Camp: Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake, NY
Most Memorable Experience: Fishing on Lake Durant, May 2016 (picture shown)
“The Outdoor Fashionista” – Madeline 
Madeline is our oldest daughter, by one minute. Even at home she’s always putting outfits together, fixing her hair and accessorizing. It’s comical that she can be content not showering for days while camping as long as she’s wearing something cute and her hair is in a messy bun. Camping is a great way to perfect the messy bun I might add. On our last trip to REI for some hiking equipment she bolted to the clothing department. So yeah we left with a paddling hat and a pink (her favorite) shirt that read, new day new adventure
Age: 10
Favorite Trip:
Favorite Hike: Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park
Favorite Place to Camp: Rollins Pond Campground, Adirondacks
Most Memorable Experience: canoeing down the rapids during our 8-hour canoe trip
“The Conservationist” – Paige
Paige is always the one that reminds us how important it is to care for the earth, which is wonderful attribute to see in your child. She spots litter first and can’t understand why people vandalize National Park sites. We are lucky to have the National Parks system and need to protect it for future generations. She’s very aware of how pollution destroys habitats and subsequently endangers animals. A funny story to share, a couple months back Kris and I took the girls on a hike not from our house that is known for being a good place to spot bald eagles. As one of the girls started to say that bald eagles were endangered Kris and I looked at each other and said, “No, I don’t think they are anymore. Lots of people worked hard to restore the bald eagle population so I think they’ve been taken off the list.” That’s when Paige quipped back, “Why didn’t anyone step up to save the dodo bird?”
Age: 10
Favorite Trip: Acadia National Park and Maine
Favorite Hike: Coney Mountain near Tupper Lake, NY
Favorite Place to Camp: anywhere in the Adirondacks
Most Memorable Experience: catching a lake whitefish in Floodwood Pond, Santa Clara, NY
“The Poser” – Hannah
Hannah is our youngest daughter. She loves to pose for pictures but apparently hates looking at the camera. Go figure! She does not disappoint when it comes to entertainment. On long car rides she’s usually the one singing to Taylor Swift in the backseat or rocking out to the classic rock station. She always says stuff to make us laugh which helps on long hikes.
Age: 7
Favorite Trip: Outer Banks, Corolla, NC
Favorite Hike: Coney Mountain near Tupper Lake, NY
Favorite Place to Camp: Rollins Pond Campground, Adirondacks
Most Memorable Experience: Seeing a black bear in Shenandoah National Park