Backpacking Grove Creek

We love camping, but have always gone to a developed site with the aid of our car. I had never gone backpacking and Jeff had done just a little with scouts. Both of us longed for a more isolated and remote experience. We decided to give it a shot and loaded up the Poco with all of Wendy's gear, clothes and food while Jeff carried the tent, both of our sleeping pads, sleeping bags, the food and jetboil. We were both loaded down pretty heavy, which made the 3.2 mile hike up Grove Creek (which was a decently steep grade) to our final destination pretty challenging. The hike started off as a dry, rock strewn path through the canyon which transformed into a luscious green forest with tall grass and dirt trails. The contrast between the two landscapes was so interesting to experience in one continuous hike. 

It was relieving to finally arrive to the meadow after a strenuous hike. The "campsite" is nestled far away from civilization in the shadow of Mt. Timpanogos. We arrived at the most gorgeous time of the day to experience this landscape as dusk approached. Jeff quickly set up the tent while I tended to Wendy and we ate a most satisfying dinner inside the tent, courtesy of Mountainhouse. 

Wendy has become a pro at camping, and slept soundly through the night. She was so excited to look out at the view when she woke up. It was a little prettier than what she's normally used to! Morning activities consisted of cooking breakfast, eating that breakfast, trying to keep Wendy from swimming in the spring and packing up.

The clouds started rolling in as we were packing up the tent and as soon as we started hiking the rains came down. There was a consistent, heavy rainfall for the entire hike down so we were soaked by the time we got back to our car. It made for an even bigger adventure, which was actually really fun. And Wendy stayed drip dry under the ridiculous rain cover, so it wasn't too bad. I think we may just do it again.