This is how this little hike started out—pretty, inviting and flat. It was Saturday afternoon and we were dressed in workout clothes. They are usually fine for any hike we’ve done around here. It was 93 degrees, but we were in the mood for a hike and “it would be cooler in the woods". We had been wanting to do this hike. We had heard it was beautiful and that it was easy and a great family hike for families with kids and perfect for DOGS. So we set out. I have decided to not share my experience in words, except for picture caption; but to just share the scene in pictures. I will say, I didn’t agree with the reviews and we were not in the appropriate hiking attire. That’s all I’ll share. Here we go with the pictures! Enjoy!

This was the trail as we began. It was a little slippery and I think I even complained about it out loud. Hilarous really. Very pebbly under the feet and not the usual dirt trail.

There were great bridges. You know I love those!

We had to cross a little slippery stream. Thank God it is summer and we hadn’t just had a huge rain.

Then we got to this! Yep that is the trail!

Then we got to this! Yep still the trail. This isn’t even the worst of it. I couldn’t even get my phone out to take a picture during the most aggresive part because I was either on my hands and knees, dusting off a scraped and bleeding shin or grip… — Then we got to this! Yep still the trail. This isn’t even the worst of it. I couldn’t even get my phone out to take a picture during the most aggresive part because I was either on my hands and knees, dusting off a scraped and bleeding shin or gripping Jack’s hand for dear life. If it had not been for his strength, courage, persistence and patience I would not have made it out of there alive. No joke. Remember I had on running shoes, not hiking boots because it was an easy hike for KIDS and DOGS.

But this was why we kept going. Sometimes things that are beautiful and amazing to see take perseverance and energy and determination and climbing the same amount of steps as in a 40 story building’s stairwell. My take away lesson—Seeing the beauty … — But this was why we kept going. Sometimes things that are beautiful and amazing to see take perseverance and energy and determination and climbing the same amount of steps as in a 40 story building’s stairwell. My take away lesson—Seeing the beauty and joy in life isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. Oh yea and do everything without complaining!