Camping Part II
Saturday morning, Karen and I sat and planned our hikes for the day. Given the state of my boots (GR!) and the fact we had a four year old with little legs (who is always game, but does tire a bit more easily than a seven or eight year old), we decided to do a short hike first thing, break for lunch and head out again later that day.
We decided upon the Fallingwater Cascades trail and headed out.
I was stunned by all the fog as we drove to the trail head. Honestly, the fog was so dense you could barely see in front of your hood, and that was going only about 25 mph. The last time I'd seen that much fog was on Afton Mountain.
However, I wasn't too worried because I knew fog would mean cool-ish conditions in which to hike.
I was stunned by all the fog as we drove to the trail head. Honestly, the fog was so dense you could barely see in front of your hood, and that was going only about 25 mph. The last time I'd seen that much fog was on Afton Mountain.
However, I wasn't too worried because I knew fog would mean cool-ish conditions in which to hike.
It was a lovely downhill hike (but not too downhill, if that makes sense?) with subtle undulations here and there. I snapped a few pics of the late summer flowers along the way. I'm not sure what these guys were, but they were lovely.
Isn't this lovely? The water cascaded down from here and we followed along to the bottom(ish) and headed back up once more. It was a lovely little loop.
Lil and Noah were the leaders, followed quite closely by Dann. I have to say, it was wonderful to have two more adults along so we could hike stretched out. Lil loves to get right out front and just GO. Apparently Noah is the same way.
As is typical, B brought up the rear with Bean. Karen, David and I were stretched out in between. Dann would periodically stop the kiddos so we could all catch up which was lovely of him.
This is where we headed back up the trail. We're not really at the bottom at all, but one should always stay on the trail. Besides, who wants to ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM only to have to hike back up?? :gulp: ;o)
So, we crossed where there was once a stone bridge and is now a couple of rocks in the creek bed. :oP
As is typical, B brought up the rear with Bean. Karen, David and I were stretched out in between. Dann would periodically stop the kiddos so we could all catch up which was lovely of him.
This is where we headed back up the trail. We're not really at the bottom at all, but one should always stay on the trail. Besides, who wants to ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM only to have to hike back up?? :gulp: ;o)
So, we crossed where there was once a stone bridge and is now a couple of rocks in the creek bed. :oP
I had just mentioned to B that morning that I was sad we weren't seeing any touch-me-nots. I rounded a bend, and BOOM!, there they were!
I had the pleasure of introducing the L family to the joy that is touch-me-nots and we all spent long moments searching for ripe pods to touch and then watch explode. :o) Can you see the ripe one there below the bloom (and bee--what is it with me and bees?)? If you were to touch it, or lightly pinch it, it would spring and send seeds flying and scattering. They're so much fun! If you've ever played with impatiens' seed pods, it's the same thing. If not, I suggest you find a bunch of impatiens, search for the pods and have a blast! :o)
Please ignore Dann's gaping mouth. ;oP I took this photo because the fog was pouring vertically down between the trees. Can you see it?
The kiddos also wanted me to take photos of every single spider web we saw because they were all so "cool!". ;o) They were pretty amazing, all covered in foggy mist. There are many more spiderwebs in the woods than you realize. Sure, we all take them out with our faces and bodies when we can't see them stretched across the trail, but they're hiding out there off the trail as well.
It was a lovely hike and a delightful way to start our morning.
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Sparklies:
1. Lil had a super duper second day of school and is working on figuring out how to deal with her "friend".
2. I think I love this year's teacher as much as last year's. :o)
3. New mama friends at the bus stop! :o)
4. I don't think I shared this yet, and if I have, forgive me. Nana and Pop took the girls to get new shoes for school. Neither child has ever had light-up shoes (I'm a mean, cruel mama) and the ones Pop found for Beanie were light-up. She was thrilled and kept trying to watch them do their thing. This video fully captures the essence of my child, what make the Bean the Bean.
It was a lovely hike and a delightful way to start our morning.
**************************
Sparklies:
1. Lil had a super duper second day of school and is working on figuring out how to deal with her "friend".
2. I think I love this year's teacher as much as last year's. :o)
3. New mama friends at the bus stop! :o)
4. I don't think I shared this yet, and if I have, forgive me. Nana and Pop took the girls to get new shoes for school. Neither child has ever had light-up shoes (I'm a mean, cruel mama) and the ones Pop found for Beanie were light-up. She was thrilled and kept trying to watch them do their thing. This video fully captures the essence of my child, what make the Bean the Bean.
Really, how can I top that video? I'm done here for the night. ;oP
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