Glamping

All fall we had wanted to go to a climbing area a few hours away from ABQ called the Enchanted Tower. We did quite a bit of climbing there pre-babies but we hadn't been there at all since they were born as it takes over 2.5 hours to get there, so we didn't feel it was worth the drive unless we camped. We had been watching the forecast all week and the lows were predicted to be in the lower 40's, which seemed too cold for tent camping with toddlers. After discussing our options for a few days it occurred to us that there might be a small motel in the tiny town of Datil, which is the closest town to the climbing area. After a quick internet search we discovered that the gas station / convenience store / restaurant in town also had a small RV park and motel!

We decided that the motel would be a great solution as we would be able to spend two solid days hanging out at the Enchanted Tower, but we could still get a good night of sleep as we would not worrying about whether or not the babes were staying warm. I believe this fits the definition of "glamping," which is glamorous camping, as we hung out all day outside, and even pitched a tent for the babes to nap in, yet we got to enjoy the amenities of a motel room which included a warm shower!

On Saturday we left our house at 6:40 a.m., met up with our friends in Socorro for breakfast burritos and a playground break for the kids, and then drove the rest of the way. After we set up our tent so the babes could nap, the guys climbed while my friend Val and I stayed at camp with the kids. While the babes napped I headed up for one climb while Val stayed below. We made dinner at the campsite and then went to our motel for the night. We didn't expect much at the bargain price of $58 a night, but we were presently surprised to find a clean room that had enough space for three pack n plays.

Jack at the Enchanted Tower

Faith

Alexis

A view of our campsite from the base of a climbing wall

A view of the climbing area from our campsite. The "tower" is in the middle.

Alexis, Jack, and Faith running around the campsite. It definitely wasn't the most relaxing trip I've been on, but at least everyone was having fun!

Jack inspecting a leaf

Faith trying to play with the "big kids" Auggie and Eland who are 6 and 4

F, J, A enjoying all of the room to roam

Dinner F, J, A

Safe, warm, and clean in our motel room (J, A, F)

After a great night of sleep in the motel, we headed back into the climbing area early Sunday morning to meet up with our friends who had stayed there and camped. We decided to take all of the kids up to one of the climbing walls this time so that we could all spend the morning together. Dan carried up a pack n play, Micah carried our climbing gear and he had Faith on his back, and I had Alexis in a carrier on my front and Jack in a pack on my back. We put the babes in the pack n play so that they would be safe, but Jack was not content in there so he spent a lot of time being carried by me, Micah, and Dan in a backpack as it wasn't safe to let the babes walk freely due to the terrain. For the most part, everyone was happy and all four adults were able to climb...even Val who is 32 weeks pregnant with their third child!

Alexis (center), Faith, and Jack bundled up and ready for the hike up to the climbing wall

A failed family photo as Faith was on Micah's back and accidentally was cut out of the frame. Alexis was having more fun than she let on :).

The scene at the climbing wall. The older boys were playing, Micah was introducing Jack to rock climbing, and Dan was ready to climb.

Faith and Alexis hanging out in the pack n play

Val ready to climb at 32 weeks pregnant!

She made it to the top!

After lunch the guys continued to climb while the rest of us stayed at the campsite and hung out while the babes napped. We hopped in our cars around 2:30 p.m. and headed back to ABQ and got home around 5:30. Although Alexis, Jack, and Faith seemed to enjoy exploring the campsite and the great outdoors, they were super excited to be back home and all three ran around the play area yelling and playing with their toys for the rest of the evening.

F, A, and J napping in the tent

Micah climbing on the tower (look at the left side of the tower in the middle of the wall for his green shirt)

Playing in the dirt for a few more minutes before we headed for home

Alexis pointing to the doggies that were accompanying other climbers

Even "glamping" isn't easy with three toddlers, but it definitely made for a more enjoyable trip and we may have to try this again in the future!