Ah the joys of a hike

I've been inspired by Bill Bryson's non-fiction book "A Walk in the Woods". I'm an audio book fan (I have a long commute, remember?), and we bought this one from iTunes for our WI Dells trip. The book is Bryson's entertaining and funny narrative of his attempt to hike the AT or Appalachian Trail. His partner on this adventure is a hilarious fellow who snickers bars and little debbie cakes should suffice for nourishment on this hike. At any rate, I recommend the book if you're into travel/adventure type literature.

Listening to Bryson narrate his book as however, a good side effect. I've regained my desire to hike! Not that I ever really lost my desire, but business, suburbia, and my 4yr old's stride length have certainly had their impact on the love. None-the-less, I had a serious itch for a good solid hike, and that is what I requested for my Mother's Day activity.

Since tomorrow is Mother's Day, and we'll be spending it celebrating MY Mom - we choose today. I requested a park I don't remember having been to (although Craig insists I've been there before!). I, however, did not realize it was a 2.5 hour drive away (ok, more like 3 hrs). Lucky for me, Craig needed a road trip, and Emmett is usually happy to just be going somewhere. So 9am this morning, the whole family piled into the car (including Moby), and off we went.

We did 4 miles (which is quite an accomplishment for a 4yr old). Had perfect weather and got great pictures. A successful trip by all accounts. And as a bonus, we had the clear opportunity to exactly calculate our gas mileage. What a plus!

Here are some of the pictures from our own walk in the woods. It's not the AT, but heck, we couldn't get to the AT in a day!

See the blue lip effect? Lesson learned, never ever buy blue gatoraid. Looks like he's suffering hypothermia!

Ever had anyone ask you if you can touch your tongue to your nose? Moby can! And he carries all his own supplies. And NO that's not a muzzle, it's a gentle leader, it keeps my arm attached to my body while walking the dog.

Craig and Emmett climbed up to that cave. Emmett called it 'like a house'. He thought it was cool!


Heading back - only 1.5 miles to go! Catch up!

How is that comfortable? 4 miles will certainly make one sleepy!
Even Moby took a nap on the drive home!