Dippikill 2010- Louis Edition

We spent a week away from home and headed upstate to unplug from technology and be one with nature. We went camping at the Dippikill Wilderness Retreat. Dippikill is a private 850 acre wilderness retreat facility owned by the Student Association of the University at Albany (Matt's Alma Mater). We haven't been up there since September 2007. Leah doesn't recall our last trip there but she had a blast. We hoped for the same this time around. Leah was about 6 months old the first we took her, Louis is a lil bit older. We knew he'd be just fine with the trip.

We stayed at one of their cabins called Twin Brooks. Twin Brooks is described as:

a rustic Adirondack style lodge nestled in a forested nook next to a babbling brook. The cabin has two bunk beds, a wood cook stove for both heat and cooking, small table and chairs, dinnerware for up to four people and splitting equipment to split the seasoned wood to stay toasty. This lodge has a pitcher pump for water, however we recommend you bring drinking water. (The pump no longer functions) The lodge is a pleasant 10 min. hike from the main parking lot and heated Bathhouse. There is also a nice skylight for natural light.

Porch

Kitchen Area

Wood Burning Stove & Firewood

Bunk beds

Dining Table

Propane Grill & Charcoal Grill

Firewood for chopping

Outhouse

The kids settled into our temporary home easily. Louis loved being able to stand up and cruise around the room.





Quizzical much?

Stop already with the photos!


Matt received a huge tent for his birthday from his sister Lindsay. Matt set it up by the cabin. We wanted to camp out in it for at least a night or two.

Not quite right but almost there

Our first night in the tent went well. Plenty of room for everyone.


All smiles in the early morning


Leah spent a lot of time searching and collecting various critters. Here she is showing one to Louis.

Matt & the kids


Matt relaxing on the porch, trying to get some time away from all of us.

Nap time for Louis

In bed with Dad

We went on a hike up to Dippikill Mountain then hiked down to Dippikill Pond and back to the campgrounds. It was about 4-5 miles round trip.

Louis was very comfortable.

Dippikill Summit



Dippikill Pond


At the pond's lean-to


Matt carried Louis from the pond back to the campgrounds. Too cute.