We took Silas and Micah on a hiking trip in a national park not too far from home. Some friends kindly lent us their baby back-pack carriers though I was hoping that Silas would prefer to walk rather than be carried. However, after a recent hike at Pinnacle, I suspected we would be hauling around a 35+ load on our backs.
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Pinnacle
Silas and I started up the trail, hoping to meet Joel, Dad, the sisters and exchange students on their down. After more than 20 minutes we had made it almost 3/10 of the 1.5 mile hike. I realized after 12 steps in that this was not a destination-goal hike. For Silas, it was about digging in the dirt, saying hello to people and dogs passing us as they came or went, stopping to spot every airplane, trailmarker or bird singing overhead. And jumping. Did I mention jumping? I think we stopped 8 times (in 20 minutes, mind you) to jump off a rock.
I realized Silas was tired when he refused to stand up after one of our stops to dig in the dirt. Since I was in exercise mode, I told him we could dig at the bottom but fo rnow, if he didn't walk, I would have to carry him. BIG MISTAKE. I carried him on my hip most of the way back down. He was so encouraging though; he told me things like "You're doing it, Mama!" "Don't fall!" and "Mama, do you need help?" To this I replied, "Yes, Silas. WHy don't you get down and walk now."
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So, we took the backpacks to Petit Jean. After we checked into our lodge, we hike a mile or so to see the "bear caves." Apparently, no bears live there, but I believe they did before the white man came and sent the bears onto the trail of tears.
Anyway, the trail and caves were lovely and rocky and provided the perfect pre-supper/bedtime exercise Silas needed to prepare him for...
Sharing a 70 sq. foot room with all of us. It was a long night. I think my favorite part was the screaming while banging the crib against our neighbors wall. The next morning, we checked out and hiked the Cedar Creek Falls Trail down the waterfall. I remember hiking this trail in college and thinking, "Gosh, this is a pretty good hike." Going down felt 3 times as long since Micah was pulling my hair to climb out of the pack. The way up was much more grueling yet pleasant than I remember in college. I had Silas singing songs in my ear. In one round, he sang "happy birthday" to Zaccheus.
Overall, it was such a fun experience. We saw fish in the creek, chipmunks and squirrels on the trail, wildflowers and yes, there were plenty of places to jump off rocks as well.
Pictures coming soon.
3 comments:
Petit Jean is my favorite place to jump off rocks. Sounds fun. Tell Zachaeus I said happy birthday too.
We have had many similar hikes here in Norway. I want to make some headway and Katherine wants to pick up pine cones and rocks. The dogs and babies are also distractions. We have a back carrier and have used a back pack as well. We bought ours on Craigslist.
I think Anabelle and Ava would really enjoy that sort of trip.
You should take the girls along next time. I think Ava and Silas would really like to share a back pack and 70 sq feet is plenty for a couple more preschoolers!
I'll tell them you'll take them next time. Thanks al
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