Little Fan = Thumbs UP!

If you know me, which is likely if you're reading this, you know that our usual gang of friends spend a week every year in the Mount Hood National Forest at Little Fan Creek Campground.  It's something we look forward to every year and this year was by far one of the best as far as the weather was concerned -- sunny and warm and perfect for frolicking in the chilly waters.  I always manage to take about two hundred pictures, mostly of kids and dogs, so I will try to only select those that represent the 2010 trip:

This mammoth floatie is known as a Relaxation Station.  It was the bomb.

At least two people in this shot are peeing.

Epic fail.

Much better!

Heidi's gonna go for a sweeeim.

Back up at camp, the kids snack and pose.

Food is always a big part of the experience.  The running joke is that we eat better at Little Fan than we do at home.  This years' menu seemed to raise the bar even higher with succulent grilled BBQ chicken, hot wings with an array of sauces, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy cilantro turkey burgers, seafood and an array of gourmet breakfasts.

All that seafood on the table brings a smile to Kyler's face.

We've got crab legs... although I think they just liked playing with them.

"Come down on this garlic bread with me."

A couple of sexpots makin' up a batch of wings.

Time for the really hot wings.

Herman's waiting for the burn...

Habenero! Muey Caliente! Fuck you!

 
Since there is no running water, we usually resort to washing ourselves in the river which, in past years, has not always been the most comfortable or effective means of bathing.  Luckily we discovered that Bagby Hotsprings was just a short drive and a hike away.  I didn't go last time part of our group made the journey so I decided this year I would brave it. 

Darien leaves them in the dust.

Maura on the bridge.

It really is a pretty hike.

Kaylee, queen of the hill.

 

More scenery.

And that's our tub.  Rustic but soothing.

 

The hike back was long and the kids got tired so the end result is a mixed review.

 The annual talent show was held on the last night as sort of a grand finale. This year there was a noticeable lack of adult performances although April's stand in for Matt as MC was quite a comedic treasure. And the kids still treated to a great show of card tricks and singing.  The best way to appreciate the nuances of the talent show is via video (which Mike has compiled for the last two years) so I didn't take many photos except for a few of the performers getting ready for the stage:

Maura gets her hair did for the big show.

Amanda seems happy despite this years' ban on Taylor Swift.

Iliana fights nerves with more makeup.

Vanessa is pretty confident her performance will rock.

Of course, there are things that are the same every year and really, that's probably why we keep coming back. Most nights at Little Fan include fireside tomfoolery and well, lots of drinking.

Heidi and Roy, happy campers.

Mike fills in for his wife as the master of the flame.

Dudes, it's time for s'mores.

Matt is no doubt talkin' some shit here.

And here's the tomfoolery caught on camera.

I wisely avoided Asshole and therefore, was never the asshole.

I really do love this place.  It's not the fanciest site nor the most scenic or unique but we have made it ours over the years and everyone truly seems to be happy to go. I hope it is a tradition we carry on for many more years to come.

Cynthia and Tika are happy to be here!

Happy!

Happy. (and buff!)

Happy (and dirty)

Ditto.

Happy, yet smug.

Happy.

Happy.

Happy and hiding.

A happy end.

Thanks to everyone for making this a great Little Fan trip.  I'm already counting the days until next year!