What Is Happening to Me?
I did it. I went hiking. And liked it. It was just like a walk. Only up a hill. And then back down. Hahaha. I did, however, draw the line once the trail stopped having a rail / fence on the mountain side. I know, with 99% certainty, that had I gone past that point, I would have tripped and spilled down the side of the mountain on the way back down to the bottom. And this is real life – no safety nets! This disappointed Gavin and Kenny, but I have to be honest with myself here – nothing good would have come from me going up the path. You had to step the side to let people pass because the pathway was so thin. Yea, no.
But I made it. And it was fun. A lot of it probably had to do with the fact that Gavin was delighted the entire time. He had a blast. Checking out everything. Climbing rocks in a “cave.” Walking across a log over a creek with Kenny. Collecting leaves and rocks. Petting moss. All the things boys like to do.
Grace…not so much. She liked running around. But she is definitely a girl for modern amenities. “Too cold.” “Too tired.” “Carry me.” “Did we bring the coach?” “I’m getting wet.” “Is it snack time?” And, of course she had to go to the bathroom when there were none around. This was about 15 minutes past when we were at an actual bathroom – which she used! – and drove to another part of the park to check out other things. And, yes, I let her pee behind a tree. It took her 20 minutes because she was scared. This was AFTER 10 minutes of whining “Moooooom. I really ‘tant’ hold it in.” coupled with a little wiggly dance.
I’m not going to lie. As I sat on the log with Grace in my lap and watched Kenny and Gavin carefully navigating to the other side of the river, I thought “I think I could do camping.” Hahaha. It was so peaceful. Silent other than the creek bubbling by and my family’s giggling. Seriously though, I am not really sure I could go camping – but I am *pretty* sure I could hang in the forest or a park all day with my family and like it. A lot. You know, pack a lunch and plan to stay awhile… That might be a better first step. Hahaha. Maybe the better way to sum up how I felt is that I understand *why* people like to go camping. Sitting in a forest with no one else around other than the people you went with is really relaxing and you feel very free. It’s kinda nice to feel disconnected from the world.
I talked to one of my brothers the day after I went hiking. After his laughter died down when I shared what I did the day prior – he said, “The real question is how you felt this morning when you woke up.” And hilariously – I actually felt BETTER waking up that day than I do on most normal days where I sit on my rear and type all day the day prior (i.e. work). Interesting, right?
We saw about 1% of what the area has to offer – so we’ll definitely go back!
Pictures to follow!