Back when we were in our 20s living in Spokane, we’d take the occasional backpacking trip. On those adventures, we never dreamed we’d become RVers one day.

In the early 1980s, we decided to try backpacking into Seven Lakes Basin, a scenic alpine destination in Olympic National Park.

Oh boy, it was painful -- our backpacks were too heavy, we were swarmed by vicious biting insects, and yet… we also loved the views, the feeling of living in beauty.

You might say that long-ago trip paved the way for our current wandering lifestyle.

John recently returned to Seven Lakes Basin with some backpacking pals, Liberty Lake resident Matt Folwell and former Spokanite Ted Barnwell. Every step John took brought back memories from the first time he and Leslie hiked this beautiful location.

It also reminded him of why we currently live in our RV, traveling to beautiful places as often as we can. Here’s his story.

Cold nights and warm memories

As I shivered in my tent on the first night of the trip, I couldn’t help thinking about my warm, comfortable bed back in our RV.

I also kept thinking about how Leslie and I hiked this same route 40 years ago. That was a memorable trip and it helped confirm our love of being outdoors.

Now as an “old” married couple, we have chosen a life that allows us to visit beautiful places like this in comfort. I eventually drifted off, that warm bed parked 100 miles away at Spencer Spit State Park.

The next morning, Ted, Matt and I hiked ever higher into Seven Lakes Basin, the views more scenic with each step.

Popular destination

The ranger sounded dubious when I called Olympic National Park in April, saying I wanted to hike Seven Lakes Basin in June. The popular route is booked solid during the busy summer season in July and August, but if you’re willing to go early, you have a shot at scoring a permit.

“There will be a lot of snow,” he said cautiously. By going early, we were taking the chance that snow would be impassable. He eventually granted us permits and in late June, the trip began.

It turned out that snow was not a problem. Yes, it was cold at night, but we found dry campsites at each beautiful ice-rimmed lake, and the melting winter snows made the route feel all the more special.

Over four days, the three of us hiked from lake to lake enjoying the experience of being backcountry in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.

Tents vs. RVs

There’s nothing like sleeping in a chilly tent for four nights to remind you why you got into the RV lifestyle. Every fall and winter, Leslie and I travel to gorgeous national parks in the cozy comfort of our 23-foot Thor Gemini motorhome.

In recent years, we’ve camped at Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree in sub-freezing temps, every one of those visits as memorable as my recent visit to Seven Lakes Basin.

Yes, I love backcountry camping in a tent in a wild place. But I also love the feeling of waking up in our tiny home on wheels in a national park, ready to explore those special places.

Back to the hike for a sec: As much as I love Leslie’s culinary creations while we’re on the road, hiker Matt deserves a special merit badge for catering the latest trip. He pulled together some fantastic -- and lightweight -- meals we thoroughly enjoyed after a day on the trail, including sushi. So, yeah, I’m grateful to experience the best of both those worlds.

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