Quote: On that hike back in the summer of 1970, we didn't even have enough sleeping bags for the group. I had to share a light weight bag with my 7 year old sister. It was very uncomfortable, because with the two of us in the small bag there wasn't a way for the bag to close around our necks. We also didn't have a tent with the group. They did bring along a large tarp. We were at least blessed with good weather for the trip. We only had a little rain one afternoon. It didn't last much longer than the time it took us to have lunch. The meadow that we were in that afternoon is still one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen.
We hiked from just south of Hurricane Ridge to the Staircase entrance of the park. I know that we were very fortunate to have survived the trip without any major troubles. The last hike we took with my dad in 1975, was not as successful. It took nearly 10 years for the complete effects of the hypothermia to totally go away. I am still sensitive to cold after all these years. Cool temperatures and being wet is a potentially deadly combination, and it doesn't have to be very cold.
I do know that I would have much rather camped with your family than mine. lol I am fairly sure that we never had a air mattress or any kind of pad to sleep on during any of our hikes. We did have tents the last trip, but if your brain gets too cold the mind stops making good decisions. I haven't done any back country hiking since 1975. I was planning on a trip in 1999, but the rest of the group canceled on me. I do miss hiking in the Columbia Gorge area. When we lived down that way, the kids and I hiked a number of day trips.
Now since about 2004, I haven't been able to walk around a mall much less hike. But doesn't mean I couldn't go camping with the right gear. I'm thinking a motor home or a travel trailer would make a camping trip just fine these days. lol