Hiking to High Adventure

This afternoon we decided to go for a walk through the Black Mountain open air park. We weren't planning on a long walk, but we brought plenty of water, hats, sunglasses, and of course the camera. The kids were excited to walk through the 'park', sorry no playgrounds here. DominicsMom and I were happy to get out and get some exercise.

The first part of the trail was nice and open and DominicsMom used the opportunity to make sure hats and sunglasses were in place. Everyone did well although it was really hot. Joss was a real trooper, starting and finishing under her own power (but we carried her almost the whole middle part...)

The first little incline was easy and everyone was in a good mood. We hit the 20 minute mark and had just barely started the Old Miners Trail, a 2 mile loop that began in our parking lot. We decided to push on.
A little bit later, the hats and glasses are coming off as everyone heats up a bit. 'We've been going for 30 minutes...It's only two miles, we have to be close to the half way mark.' Yeah, right.

And the hill gets steeper and the trail got narrower... I actually carried Jocelyn almost from the beginning and then when Dominic got tired, I gave Joss to DominicsMom and put Dominic on my shoulders. DominicsMom was tough and carried him a good bit too.

Some parts of the trail were pretty narrow and overhung by scrub trees. We didn't mind too much as they provided some much welcome shade. However, with Joss riding on my shoulders, I didn't always duck enough. Check out the twigs in her hair.

Almost there. We've finished the loop and reached the wider trail again. Joss was pretty tired by this point. She couldn't even keep her head up.

The whole trail took us 1:45, much longer than we anticipated being out. The kids were really good and did not complain too much. I explained to Dominic and Jocelyn that the hike was 'High Adventure'. Dominic said he liked high adventure, but was ready for the hike to be over. He didn't sound too keen for another hike too soon.

We headed home and everyone took a bath or shower. Joss never went down for a nap, but Dominic passed out no the couch.

DominicsDad