Hi Diane,
This IS really OT, but here's our deal.
Two youngest are DD 15.5 and DS `12.5 Eldest DS 21 is working as a media intern this summer (he's in university) and will not join us.
We're going to hike black hills, northern rockies and west Tetons, Dakato, Idaho, Montana, Alberta province in Canada. The real adventure is the drive. I have decided NOT to fly out, but to rent a comfortable big car thing, complete with video player and drive, stopping at Niagra along the way and coming back through Canada. We can do that from Boston, atlthough there will be a couple of marathon days particularly on the way out.
We also considered the southwest, Zion, Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Cedar breaks territory, but I've been there in the summer before and I don't care what they say about dry heat - 100 + degrees is just HOT. TOO HOT! If you want an eastern vacation, the Smokies are lovely and most elevations are cool at night unless it's extreme. (When we canoed the west branch of the Penobscot in western Maine - talk about remote - and it was sooo hot I couldn't sleep at night)
This particular trip will probably take about a month, but like you, we work so hard during the school year, that it's really important to take the time when we can.
Go for it. I think some of the most wonderful times I've had with my kids have been camping. We play cards and games and sit and stare at the fire, tell silly jokes, hike to beautiful places, set camp and cook together, get cranky, and generally have a wonderful time.
Rebecca
