Wednesday afternoons will always be my favorite, and I hope my kids
will some day look fondly back on this time.
The time we have spent together. The time spent discovering our mountain and surrounding valley. And the time and experiences we have shared with
friends.
Each week is a little different. Different combinations of people
showing up. Regulars alongside faces that come and go. We are blessed to
be friends with a group of easy-going people who are welcoming to
whoever is able to make it to our weekly hikes.
At the beginning of the 2020 school year, I would not have felt
comfortable bringing this group of kids to Signal Point and the Julia Fall Overlook. It's a trail with high,
exposed bluffs and early on the kids didn't always listen or pay
attention very well.
As we near the end of the school year, I knew this group
could handle it. I knew I could trust them. I knew they wouldn't whine
(too much) about the duration or amount of incline we would experience on the trail.
As a mother, and someone who loves the outdoors, I have enjoyed seeing
them become more comfortable in the outdoors. I love to see their
curiosity as we discover new plants and bugs. I love watching their
confidence and skills blossom on the trail.
I know I sound like a broken record, but trail friends are the best
blessing. And getting to share my favorite places with others is icing
on the cake for our homeschooling experience.
"Climb
the mountains and get their
good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into
trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms
their energy, while cares will drop off like falling leaves." – John Muir
This was my 37th hike for 2021 (37/52). We knocked out 3.5 miles bringing me to 115 miles hiked this year.
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