Luckily the boys have inherited Andrew's sense of adventure.
And I am always in for an outdoor challenge as long as it does not push
my 'cautious-I have to be in control' limits too much.
Our limits were pushed on our hike from Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald
in terms of elevation, length, and weather conditions,
but we learned the true grit of our family
- and I am proud to say that we are all pretty tough.
We knew that we were embarking on a little over 3 mile round trip picturesque hike
that would include rolling hills to climb and descend,
rocks to clamber over, zig-zag curves to zig and zag,
and Andrew even, fairly, warned us about unpredictable weather.
I thought I had us covered.
Some long-sleeve shirts, sunscreen, and homemade bug spray.
We had snacks and water galore thanks to our pack mules, Andrew and Alekzander.
And a standing bribe for Alekzander ::
If you can do this without whining, you can get your first Lego set.
It was relatively smooth sailing to our destination.
My muscles burned and I was out of breath at the beginning -
though it surely had nothing to do with carrying a 28-pound 23-month old on my back!
Alekzander was a rockstar leading the way most of the time with his full hydration pack.
Clouds moved in and we encountered a few pop-up showers along the way,
but they made us giggle,
especially as we saw people coming down the mountain in a hurry
or fighting with bright yellow plastic rain ponchos.
As soon as the rain started, it would stop, so we never got too wet.
Winds swirled, but we were still game for an adventure.
When we reached Grassy Ridge Bald, quicker than we anticipated,
we celebrated a little before turning around to head back.
As soon as we did, huge, heavy, cold, stinging raindrops started falling.
It was pouring, and there was nothing to do but forge ahead and laugh hysterically.
Anderson and I ran ahead and sang "It's Raining, It's Pouring" and "Happy Birthday"
at the top of our lungs so that we could hear over the rain.
Andrew and Alekzander embraced the rain and traveled over slippery rocks
and splashed in growing puddles.
When the rain finally stopped,
we were soaked, cold, and exhausted,
but we were surrounded magically by clouds rolling by.
Anderson eventually zonked out on my back,
and Alekzander's personal mission was to stomp, jump, or splash
in every mud puddle on our descent.
It was hilarious and exhilarating.
We made it:
with smiles on our faces, soaked to the bone, and mud caked on our shoes and calves.
We were made for adventure!
.jpg)
