With the temperatures in the Valley still hovering over 100 degrees, I decided a camping trip up north was in order. I remembered family camping over 16 years ago at Canyon Point Campground, one of the best campgrounds along the Rim — equipped with hot showers, spacious campsites, and in close proximity to several lakes. Wendy and I took a leisurely drive up past Payson one Sunday afternoon and scouted out just about every campground along Route 260. Canyon Point still looked to be the best, although there is no shortage of nice camping spots.

Reservations are not accepted after Labor Day at Canyon Point so Wendy and I drove up Thursday afternoon and secured two adjoining campsites. Although Loop A was full, Loop B offered plenty of good choices. We chose the two sites furthest from the main road, so we wouldn’t have to hear traffic going by. The day was ending and temperatures were dropping rapidly as we set up our tents. We ate a light meal, then sat under the stars and enjoyed a quiet, moonlit evening. It was nice having the place to ourselves; we knew the next day would bring more people up from the valley, seeking the cooler temperatures. The area where we were camped was desolate, very quiet, and dark and Wendy’s tent seemed a long way away from mine. Although the camp host had assured us that they were not having a bear problem, I kept my earplugs out and stayed awake, keeping watch all night so Wendy could get a good night’s sleep.

We were up early Friday morning and drove to Willow Springs Lake with a kayak in tow. Since I was still recovering from recent foot surgery, hiking took a back seat to kayaking this weekend. The weather was made to order — sunny, a few clouds, just a light breeze. We inflated the kayak in no time, then launched ourselves. The water was C-O-L-D but what fun! It took some time to get in sync and learn the best strategy for maneuvering the boat (and trying to keep the water out of the kayak). At one point, we found ourselves peering down into the water and looking at a very shallow and rocky bottom. Not wanting to wreck havoc on the rented kayak, we quickly paddled over to the opposite shoreline, got out and spread out on the rocks to let our clothes dry. Once dry, we hopped back in, got wet again which felt great by this time, and paddled back.

When we returned to the campsite, Lisa, Joe, Barry, Michael, and Chuck had arrived and were setting up their tents.

We took a walk down to the Sinkhole which was the extent of my hiking for the weekend. On my previous camping trip (16 years ago) I had gotten lost with two of my kids on this same trail so this was the perfect opportunity to retrace my steps and see where I had erred. After all those years, I finally got closure.

Back at the campsite, we brought out the food for the first potluck. We stuffed ourselves on Louisiana sausage and sauerkraut, a variety of tantalizing salads, delicious cheese and crackers, fried chicken, plus Michael’s chocolate chip cookies (without nuts!). No one went hungry.

There was plenty of firewood so we sat around a campfire that evening, but most were too full for making s’mores.

Saturday morning, Wendy, Barry, Chuck, and Lisa were up early. After a quick breakfast, they left to meet Ted at the trailhead for the Horton Spring hike. Wendy had graciously agreed to lead this hike in my place and Ted arranged a carpool up from the valley. Joe, Michael, and I remained at the campsite. We headed back down to the lake and Michael and I took the kayak out. The day was a bit windier, but with me navigating from the front seat and Michael steering from the back, we managed to travel a good distance. We ended up on the opposite bank and found a perfect resting spot. We saw a giant creepy crawly searching for food along the lake’s bottom. With the wind picking up, paddling back to the dock was a bit tricky, but perseverance paid off and we made it back safely.

Back at the campsite (with the hikers not having returned yet) we took advantage of the gorgeous weather.

Joe had set up a hammock for snoozing, Michael got engrossed in some reading, and I took a nap since I had stayed awake the entire night before.

When the hikers returned, they were a bit hot and tired. Apparently the weather on the trail was not quite as nice as out on the lake!

Several of us took advantage of the hot showers, and then the fixings for the second potluck were brought out. I had brought my chili (made for an earlier camping trip but forgotten); there was a refreshing crab salad, plus all the leftovers from the night before. Satiated again, I was finally able to gather everyone around for a lively game of “Apples to Apples.” Joe won but I think he cheated. We then built up another fire and sat around — not exactly singing campfire songs, but a close second.

Since check-out time was not until 1:00 PM and none of us was in a hurry to return to the blistering heat back home, we had a leisurely morning. Some of us went back to the lake, and Wendy and Chuck took the kayak out this time, while Joe, Michael, and I walked around the lake.

Upon our return, we packed up camp and were on the road just before the check out time of 1:00 PM. We had talked about stopping at the Fish Hatchery on the return drive but I think everyone forgot about it. I know I did.

Canyon Point was a beautiful place to camp and we could not have asked for better weather. The weekend had plenty of choices for everyone: kayaking, hiking, fishing, good food, reading, photo opportunities, enjoying the lake, relaxing, and of course, the camaraderie that the Trailblazers are famous for.

Thanks to Wendy for all her help with this trip, for renting the kayak, and for being the hike leader for Horton Spring; and to Ted for arranging the carpool from the valley.