Today we went on a long family hike at Umstead. For some reason I thought it was a great idea to try a longer trail so instead of our usual "easy" 1.25 mile trail, we opted for the "moderate" 2.75 Sal's Branch Trail. The boys were all excited and decked out in their Camelbaks and each carrying one trekking pole. The first third or so of the hike was great but then......Cole started to fall apart. It became a competition of who was in the front and leading our family on the trail. We tried to take turns but then whoever's turn it was not got upset. There were many times, Tim & I were ready to turn around and when we would say that, the boys would get upset at that so we kept going. For all the fun, I also got frustrated that the quietness of hiking in the woods was being upstaged by Cole crying - loudly and wanting to be carried. We made it to the lake and took a break / had a snack. We also got an impromptu fishing lesson from a really nice guy who had been fishing with his Dad. The boys loved that and they rallied to have an enjoyable end to our hike. Whew! All in all, it was a good hike even with the frustrating parts. The boys have great trail feet and are learning about longer hikes. We will probably always have to moderate the competition part but we're just glad they like being outside!
And for the record, Cole took a GREAT nap and they were both in the bed tonight much earlier than usual. We're also working on earlier bed times around here since school is officially starting and Eli won't be getting much of a rest time during the day. Growing boys need lots of food and sleep!
My cute hiker boys
Headed to the trailhead
Happy trail feet
How sweet! Of course, this was in the first happy third of the hike. =)
Eli did so great on the longer hike. He said at one point that his legs were getting tired but he kept going.
A trail friend.
One of Cole's happy moments.
Quick family shot
Hiking with Daddy - Eli in the lead
And then we had upset Cole
which led to this. A ride on Daddy's shoulders.
Tim is so excited for Cub Scouts with Eli next year. Apparently there's a hiking merit badge!
Cole rallied and took off in the lead. He must have had four or five "second winds" on the hike.
Checking out the worms for fishing
and getting a little lesson. Much different than the worm and bobber I used to use!
Happy Cole / Happy Mommy - snacks make everything better!
Daddy's hiking boys
Almost back - we let Cole lead the rest of the way from the lake. He wouldn't even let Tim in front of him, going so far as to body block him!
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