Friday, 29 April 2011
The first one
Other kids can hike too
I have also believed other people's kids could hike, too, but to be honest, I always thought my kids were probably the best real hikers around. Sometimes, I can be a proud momma.
On Easter Sunday, instead of feasting, we went for a hike (after all the chocolate was found). We invited another family to come with us on our favorite family hike. Yes, you guessed it - we went to Duncan's Cove again. Brennick (almost 5 yrs old) and Trenton (2 1/2 yrs old) were thrilled to be joining us. We originally met at a library program but have continued to have playdates with after the program ended. It was fun to have both their mom and dad join us, too.
After organizing a few things in backpacks (for some reason, we can never do that at home), we took off on the trail at a quick pace. I think some little guys were excited about hiking with friends!! Trenton, however, had fallen asleep on the way there, and started the hike in his dad's arms. It wasn't long before he woke up (perhaps with a little help), and he was good to go, with tons of energy.
I'm generally a fan of chocolate. And certainly a fan of chocolate while hiking. On top of that, it was Easter. So needless to say, we took lots of little stops along the way for an energy break.
Duncan's Cove is a great hike. It's challenging with rocks and hills. I have gotten used to doing it with my kids, but I have to say, I was a lot more nervous doing it with other kids. They were absolutely fantastic hikers. But we had taken them there, so I was worried about if they got hurt. There are definately a few "hold my hand" sections. Kids hike a little different when they are with their friends, too. I guess we all probably do. Push the limits. Hike a little faster. Liam is usually a "let's run this route" kind of hiker, so I was happy to see him paying attention to his little friends, but I think it did come at the expense of his paying attention of his surroundings and footing. Although, there were a few tumbles by everyone, no one needed a band-aid so that makes for a successful outing.
My boys were definately tired out by the end of the hike, (or before the end, as Zach asked to be carried for sections of it). We took the quicker inland route back. The trail was wet in sections that required good maneouvering if you didn't want wet toes. For example, if you head through the middle section of a big mucky wet spot, you might not just end up with wet toes, but just might lose your sneakers too. Thanks Dan, for getting Liam out! I would desperately love him to learn that lesson, but I also believe the most important lesson to learn on the trail, is to love the trail. We might be considered to be light on the discipline already, but I think it's important to let go even more - unless, of course, they are putting themselves in immediate danger.
The boys all had rubber boots and sneakers with them, except for Liam (sorry!! I should have taken them!). Even if the extra footwear is not needed, it's still definately a good precaution in the spring. We try our best to make sure they don't get blisters! You have to protect those little feet with the best to make sure they stay happy little hikers forever!
Oh, and back to the title of this blog, those boys and their parents sure know how to hike. They completed the hike with energy and gusto, right through to the end!
On Easter Sunday, instead of feasting, we went for a hike (after all the chocolate was found). We invited another family to come with us on our favorite family hike. Yes, you guessed it - we went to Duncan's Cove again. Brennick (almost 5 yrs old) and Trenton (2 1/2 yrs old) were thrilled to be joining us. We originally met at a library program but have continued to have playdates with after the program ended. It was fun to have both their mom and dad join us, too.
After organizing a few things in backpacks (for some reason, we can never do that at home), we took off on the trail at a quick pace. I think some little guys were excited about hiking with friends!! Trenton, however, had fallen asleep on the way there, and started the hike in his dad's arms. It wasn't long before he woke up (perhaps with a little help), and he was good to go, with tons of energy.
I'm generally a fan of chocolate. And certainly a fan of chocolate while hiking. On top of that, it was Easter. So needless to say, we took lots of little stops along the way for an energy break.
Duncan's Cove is a great hike. It's challenging with rocks and hills. I have gotten used to doing it with my kids, but I have to say, I was a lot more nervous doing it with other kids. They were absolutely fantastic hikers. But we had taken them there, so I was worried about if they got hurt. There are definately a few "hold my hand" sections. Kids hike a little different when they are with their friends, too. I guess we all probably do. Push the limits. Hike a little faster. Liam is usually a "let's run this route" kind of hiker, so I was happy to see him paying attention to his little friends, but I think it did come at the expense of his paying attention of his surroundings and footing. Although, there were a few tumbles by everyone, no one needed a band-aid so that makes for a successful outing.
My boys were definately tired out by the end of the hike, (or before the end, as Zach asked to be carried for sections of it). We took the quicker inland route back. The trail was wet in sections that required good maneouvering if you didn't want wet toes. For example, if you head through the middle section of a big mucky wet spot, you might not just end up with wet toes, but just might lose your sneakers too. Thanks Dan, for getting Liam out! I would desperately love him to learn that lesson, but I also believe the most important lesson to learn on the trail, is to love the trail. We might be considered to be light on the discipline already, but I think it's important to let go even more - unless, of course, they are putting themselves in immediate danger.
The boys all had rubber boots and sneakers with them, except for Liam (sorry!! I should have taken them!). Even if the extra footwear is not needed, it's still definately a good precaution in the spring. We try our best to make sure they don't get blisters! You have to protect those little feet with the best to make sure they stay happy little hikers forever!
Oh, and back to the title of this blog, those boys and their parents sure know how to hike. They completed the hike with energy and gusto, right through to the end!
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