Sunday Hike

Originally we were supposed to go for a hike on Saturday, but some plans got rearranged.  Friday night at the dinner table, my husband asked me if I would like to go for a hike on Sunday as a family.  Before I could even answer (I was going to say yes, by the way), our son, James, shouts from his high chair "A hike! YEAAAA!".  With a reaction like that, how could you possibly decide not to go hiking.  I am amazed and grateful at how much James loves hiking and camping. 

It took about 1.5 hours in the car to reach our hiking trail.  Once there we fed Sam a bottle and James also had a snack.  Then both boys were loaded up into their backpack carriers and off we went!  There were a ton of cars in the parking area, so we dreaded how many people would be hanging out around the lake; however, most of the people were coming out as we were heading in. 

The hike was 4.8 miles round trip with a couple log crossings.  I will say crossing a log with a backpack and a baby inside makes me a little more nervous, but it all worked out fine.  Sam slept in the backpack carrier almost the whole way in as well as on the way out. 

We had the lake almost all to ourselves, and it was divine!  James had a great time climbing up the large granite rocks and laying down on his belly to peer into the water.  He also enjoyed throwing rocks into the water and making big splashes.  We had a late lunch together, explored the surrounding area and just relaxed in all of God's magnificent nature.

The hike encompassed most of our day...we left our home around 10 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m.  Thankfully we had put a roast in the crock pot, so we didn't have to worry about dinner.

This morning James was already walking around the living room with a hiking pole in his hand proclaiming "I'm hiking!".  His excitement is so delightful!  We have another hike planned for next weekend (to celebrate Grandma's birthday), so I am sure James will be stoked about that.  James is very much an outdoor enthusiast at this point in time.  I hope he maintains that spark of energy throughout his entire lifetime.  I also hope Sam will grow to love the outdoors too as he gets older and has more of an opinion.