"At Gray Eagle Lodge" video

Now the video of some of the fun...

Trains and Marshmallows

There is a crazy train museum in a town near the ranch, the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.  For a small fee, you get to walk around this huge train yard and climb around on most of the trains.  It's not exactly the safest place, but lots of fun.  

After trains, marshmallows.  

 Maya as Engineer.

We went with another family from Gray Eagle.  The kids loved running around on the engines.

All aboard.

Train heaven.

So many trains.

Maya and Dex.

Following the tracks.

After trains, substandard soft-serve with a very nice view.

After a bike ride Dexter goes on a climbing adventure with momma to the top of the waterfall.  We made it.

Running through shrubs.

Momma selfie.

Every night there was a fire.

And smores!

Serious business.

And a serious mess.  Thank you Gray Eagle!

Lake Hike

Today we took a longer hike...3.5 miles...which is probably a record for a full family hike.  This was a relatively easy hike that took us past at least 6 lakes.  Very fun!

On our way.

First stop, Big Bear Lake.

Stream crossings.

Stop for lunch at Silver Lake.

Another try at fishing at Silver Lake.

Maya finds a fishing spot along the rocks.

Two happy dudes.

Looking back at some of the lakes.

Hike nearly complete!

Smith Lake Hike

We had a fun day today that included a hike to Smith Lake from the lodge.  

Heading up the trail.

Up we go.

Resting on a rock.

Enjoying the view.

Log river crossing.

So strong.

Dad selfie.

We made it to the lake!

Maya went to fishing camp this summer and was able to set up her own fishing line, tie on her hook and sinker, and bait the line.

Fishergirl!

Down the mountain we go.

This girl is ready for dinner!

After dinner, the kids got together at the lodge to play a gambling game called Left, Right, Center.  Teaching them young.

Welcome to Gray Eagle Lodge

Friends had recommended a visit to Gray Eagle Lodge in the wilderness near Lake Tahoe.  It's a lodge with about 20 cabins on a little creek with a swimming hole.  They serve breakfast and dinner and there's a campfire every night.  It's very rustic with great hiking and beautiful lakes right nearby.  

Welcome to our cabin, Sugar Pine.

 Dexter outside the cabin.

Welcome!

 Inside the cabin.

Down on a path by the river.  

Our first little exploration to a waterfall next to the cabins.

 Kid on a rock...happy.

We found the waterfall!