We went to Westport this past weekend four our second camping trip of the summer. It is crazy to think that mid August we’re just logging our second camping trip, but at the same time having a 4 month old and doing our second camping trip of the season seems monumental in its own right.

We met up with Brian, Darcy, Chach, Brian, Marc and Lara….it was confusing with both the Brians.  Sydney typically loves the beach, but I think that Ruger’s enthusiastic charm made her a bit gun shy.

We had Beer Butt Chicken, Beer pancakes and I think some non-nursing people had just plain old beer. Thanks to Brian P. who did almost all the cooking! Barry, Brian M. and Darcy did a bit of surfing and the rest of us relaxed in the sunny weather and watched Ruger and Brian P. splash around in the waves.

Brian and Chaya showed up with the largest tent I’ve ever seen in my entire life. It is bigger than a circus tent. At one point I was in there with Lara, Thomas, Maggie, Ruger’s Costco sized dog bed, a queen air mattress, two camping chairs, and at least 6 huge Tupperware containers. Plus, there was still room to walk around. No longer do we call our tent The Mansion.

Coming home we got stuck in traffic and saw a ton of motorcycle riders heading South by the Tacoma Dome. Police officers had closed off the ramps on to I-5, so the only thing on the freeway were motorcycles. It was pretty astounding, but neither of us heard what it was about.  We think our traffic jam was because the people in our lane were rubber necking.

All in all, it was a successful second camping trip. Since Maggie loves being outside so much it makes it easier to go.

Quite honestly, I think this trip made us wonder if we need to step it up in the tent department. Either that, or we need to seriously look into a motor home. Next year, people, next year. You want to come camping with us? We’ve got a cute baby, a chubby dog and apparently a smallish tent.

July found me taking lots of shorts trips on my bike. Most of the trips consisted of daily commutes to and from work, but several jaunts to the store were also mixed in. It hasn’t felt like I’ve spent that much time on my bike compared to my time spent commuting to Seattle earlier in the challenge, but I ended up with a decent little mileage count at the end of the month.

July Results

Driving: 21.6 miles
Riding: 53 miles
Walking: 15 miles
Leg Powered: 68 miles

With one month left in the challenge I’m feeling pretty good about my chances of posting more bicycle commuting miles than solo driving miles.

Overall Results

Driving: 766.2

Riding: 792.51

Walking: 111

Leg Powered: 903.51

September, October,  November, December,  January, February, March, April, May, and June logs

My dad bought a SUP and brought it to the beach and Barry, not being one to shy away from new water-related experiences, was thrilled to try to SUP for the first time.

After determining that the waves were just right and the cloud cover might go away, Barry opted to put down his surfboard and pick up the paddle and HUGE board to SUP.

I learned my lesson long, long ago not to knock the size of the waves at Neah Bay, or any other beach for that matter. For that reason alone I was so impressed with Barry’s ability to stay balanced and actually ride the board. Go, B-Mills!

After a while Barry came to shore and ditched the paddle, taking the enormous board out to surf on it. I tell you, that Man of Mine was born to be in the water!

He doesn’t really like it when I get all mushy about him on the blogosphere, but he looked suuuuper cute too.

No wonder we’ve got such a cute kid.

We found ourselves at Neah Bay this weekend enjoying the foggy weather and cold water. What a way to welcome in August, right? The campground was crowded but in true Elvrum Style my parents were able to snag our favorite secluded campsite early in the week.

For being a first time camper, Maggie was amazing. I was a bit worried because at home we take her outside to cheer her up and since we’d be camping I wasn’t sure what my secret strategy would be to stop the tears. Having the waves, dogs and plenty of loving arms was enough to keep the Cherub happy.

Barry was able to  surf, kayak and  even try my dad’s SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), which he ended up surfing on that as well. We took lots of walks up and down the beach, watching Sydney romp with the other dogs and waiting for the sun to break through.

Hobuck has really changed in the past years as it has become much more popular, but I still feel like it was really special to have Maggie’s first camping trip to be there – right on the ocean front! From what we can tell, we think she’s going to love the outdoors. Wahooo!!!

We’re packing up to go to the beach!!

According to our car, it will be a tight fit.

Kayak? Check.

Surfboard? Check.

Tubby Torpedo? Check.

Magalito? Check.

Summer time fun, here we come!

Last week Mike and Nancy came over to ‘take us out to dinner’ and it was such a delight. Since we’re not brave enough to go into any restaurant with Maggie yet, and Mike and Nancy wanted to treat us, they showed up with an entire meal. It was so kind of them. The snack tray that I made felt like a monumental success, only because I was able to put it together over the course of an hour or two with the help of Maggie off and on.

We sat outside and Sydney brought nearly every toy in her basket to Mike’s feet and Maggie made herself at home in Nancy’s arms. It was one of the first evenings this year that I’ve really felt like it was Summer and our yard is so relaxing with the pond and big chairs.

Dinner was delicious, the talk was constant and the laughs long. They both doted on Maggie and she was SO great our first time going ‘out to eat,’ even if we stayed home.

This morning I found Barry and Maggie discussing all the pros and cons of eating outside. Since we have finally had some nice weather, we are taking advantage of our backyard.

In this past week Maggie has started to intentionally reach for things. She smiles so big when she sees what she is reaching for, but becomes startled when she makes contact – still unsure how something ended up in her hand.

June went by quickly.  Long days and moderate weather made walking and riding to work a breeze.  It sure is nice to get home 10 minutes after I leave the office when I’m on the bike, and Maggie knows exactly how to use the time I save.

June Miles

Driving:  51.3 miles

Walking: 45 miles

Riding: 37.81 miles

Leg Powered: 82.81 miles

Overall Miles

Driving: 744.6

Walking: 96

Riding: 739.51

Leg Powered: 835.51

September, October,  November, December,  January, February, March, April, and May logs

The sun tried to make an appearance today and we anxiously awaited its arrival. Maggie posted up in the shade covered by a blanket and Sydney did some quick turbos around the yard.

It was a short lived experience because the clouds came and washed away any desire to stay outside. The sunscreen remains on the shelf and is ready to go for when the sun really wants to play.

Our yard is green and the flowers are blooming, but we really haven’t had much of a chance to enjoy either since most days the rain greets us.

I wish that summer would arrive already!!

Ski to Sea 2010 from hannah elvrum on Vimeo.

Filmed and edited by Barry