When I asked my kids where they wanted to go camping to kick off the first weekend of summer, I was pleased to hear a definite favorite and immediate vote of Crane Prairie Reservoir. Located along the Cascade Lakes Highway south of Bend, it’s a destination we’ve camped at many times over the years, and the primitive Forest Service campsites with sweeping views of the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor, sandy beaches and constant breeze to keep the mosquitoes down is a winning combination. Even heading out on a Saturday afternoon, we were able to find a nice campsite with a decent amount of buffer from neighbors. In addition to other campers, we had Bald Eagles, Canada Geese and even Pelicans as neighbors. It was a happening place.
With two adolescents, everything is an adventure, especially camping. With one keeping their nose buried in a book, and the other hiding their nose in a Darth Vader mask, our campsite was always interesting. We ventured out and explored the Crane Prairie dam and some future camping spots, but mostly just relaxed in our camp.
Our trip was not all reading and Star Wars. Swimming is an activity that never loses it’s appeal, and the kids spent a good amount of time splashing around out in the water to stay cool. I think my son swam back and forth along the beach for two hours straight one afternoon.
Some things never change as we grow older, and a summer camping trip would be complete without enjoying a juicy, cold watermelon on a hot day.
We enjoyed watching the sunsets out on the beach, and passed the time with everything from snail palace building to races.
Over the years, it’s interesting how family camping trips change as kids grow. Juice boxes, sun hats and nap time give way to teen novels, Darth Vader masks and the “name that pop song” whistling game. Still, the enjoyment of special outdoor places we visit remains. As a parent, I am pleased to see their attachment to a wild place develop and become infused with memories of past visits, and I am encouraged that they will go out and seek new places to connect with as adults. Perhaps they will visit Crane Prairie Reservoir again, or perhaps somewhere close to where they live, but I know they will continue to carry on their own traditions in the outdoors.
Leave a Reply