First backpacking trip for my daughter

**Malcolm** · 10-19-2019, 12:49

I brought my daughter on her first backpacking trip last night. We stayed in Minnesota’s Chengwatana State Forest, right near the St. Croix river (though camped back in the woods due to the wind).

She was astounded by all the stars she could see, and agrees that the hammock is far more comfortable than a pad in a tent.

I was very nervous how she’d deal with noise from wildlife, and warned her several times how small animals like squirrels can sound like bears when it’s quiet and you’re alone.

She slept even better than I did (no small thanks to the comforting hammock lights from Dutchware which she left on for part of the night).

The trip was a complete success, and she says she can’t wait to go again. I think she’ll be finding some backpacking gear under the Christmas tree this year.
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**TallPaul** · 10-19-2019, 12:54

Awesome. It’s fun sharing time in the woods.

**Otter1** · 10-19-2019, 13:23

What a great time it must have been. Take her as often as you can!

Enjoy these times, my man.

**TrailSlug** · 10-19-2019, 13:31

I remember my first backpacking trip with my daughter. Thanks for the memory. These are special times.

**NOBOZax** · 10-19-2019, 14:16

That is so cool. Glad to hear it was a success and that is a great pic of the 2 of you.

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**TrailBlaser** · 10-19-2019, 14:22

Your post brought me back to my first canoe camping trip with my daughter when she was 7. She sat on a cushion on the floor of my solo canoe as I paddled her to campsite 20 on Lows Lake in the ADKs. We spent a wonderful 5 days there, swimming, fishing, hiking and paddling around the lake. The nights around the campfire were the best. She was an enthusiastic camping partner. This past summer, 17 years later, we went back to Lows, this time together with her husband. We couldn't get the same campsite, but we still had a wonderful time. She even remembered some of the scenery on the way in. Treasure those times no matter how old they are!

**Shug** · 10-19-2019, 14:42

Whoooooo Buddy and Betty))))
Way to make those fine memories.
Shug

**soul embrace** · 10-20-2019, 06:54

congrats on the trip

**Layne** · 10-20-2019, 09:11

Very cool! Always awesome to see the next generation getting into the outdoors, glad to hear she enjoyed it and is looking forward to the next trip

**Malcolm** · 10-21-2019, 21:19

Thank you all for your encouragement and comments! It really puts things in perspective to hear from those of you who are a decade or two farther down life’s road. Thank you for reminding me how transient and valuable these times are.