Harden Family Reunion at Rambler's Roost

Our fifth annual (we skipped 2005 and went to a wonderful wedding on a very hot summer day!) Harden family reunion at Union Creek convened on August 8th, 2008 at Rambler's Roost. It began with Sara, Jason, Terry and I driving up to Thousand Springs Sno-Park and riding mountain bikes down the OHV trail eight miles back to the cabin. Of course, we had to go back up and get the car, so Sara and Terry shuttled the cars while Jason and I did a kamikaze ride back to the cabin, this time following the horse trail half the way. Wow! A wild and crazy ride!

As usual there was more than enough food for all and we had tents scattered about to accomodate the 23 people and 6 dogs. There was hiking, fishing, and visiting around the campfire.



Saturday's excursion took us to the Rabbit Ears, where an attempt was made to ascend the east summit, but alas, due to poor guide service by yours truely, our attempt to summit was thwarted, but our appreciation of the wonderful view and relative difficulty of what we had accomplished was not lost on those that made the attempt. We had a faithful crew of onlookers who made the trek to the base of the massive volcanic plugs and awaited our return, dodging rocks loosened by the climbers.

We then made the short but dusty drive to the firelookout at Hershberger, where more spectacular views presented themselves. A picnic lunch in the "parking lot" where we had five cars (Tim's mountain goat van nearly made it to the top after challenging my assessment of it's ability to overcome the rough and tumble road) was a real treat after our hike and climb.

After returning to the cabin where Grandpa Harden had held down the fort with one wounded dog (poor Cassie had a torn foot pad from the previous day's adventure on the OHV trail) Jason, Tim, Cathy and I bummed a ride from Sara back to the Thousand Springs parking lot and once again we descended back to the cabin as the sun was sinking in the east.

Before a sumptious dinner of BBQ ribs prepared by Eric we had the fun of beginning a birthday celebration for Cameron with a pinata hung from an extension ladder over the woodshed roof. After valiant attempts by Cameron, Harrison, Jacob and Joel the candy did fly after succumbing to an explosive blow of the bat by Jason! (Problems with the video, sorry!)

We had french toast, bacon, sausage and fruit for breakfast before cleaning up and heading to our distant homes to await next year's gathering at "the cabin" Rambler's Roost. Thanks to all for sharing the food and fun.