Backpackers in Training

On our Spring Break I took the kids hiking.  We went from our house to Mimi and Papa's house in Crestline.  I forget how many miles it is . . . eight?  I think?  All the way to their house.  We did this because I was gauging their individual hiking abilities.  This summer we are going back-packing in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.  We will hike 26 miles over five six days.  Our hike up the San Bernardino Mountains was quite steep the first five miles.  But it was a cool day.

 

The kids did really well. 

I was pleased.

Well, except Ryanne didn't want to

go on this hike, and, being forced,

moped and whined the whole way.

But she made it too the top. 

Halfway up the trail, Elias started crying.

But only for a second--his tooth had fallen out!

He doesn't like blood and that made him cry.

But he soon got over it!

Here we are taking a break for snacks while waiting

for Ryanne to catch up.

And there's the trail.  That's a rather flat portion

 that we enjoyed very much.  Until you hit the

switchback!

And there is Ryanne coming along behind us.

"Ugh! Mom! You're killing us!"

"NO! No more hiking!"

Here we are at the top--

Monument Peak.

Tired, but pleased.

The good news is, we get to go downhill now!

Wahooo! We are awesome!

Papa said Mckay was wearing the right shirt;

if he got lost, somebody was

bound to see his orange shirt!

Leah and Elias made great hiking buddies.

After we made it down Sawpit Canyon

and came to the paved road,

Papa picked up the girls. 

But the boys didn't want to quit. 

They had begged a candy bar out of me

if they went "the whole entire way". 

So we kept hiking,

right through Crestline until

we got to Mimi's house.

You boys rock!