Hiking

On Friday, since the kids were out of school for UEA, we thought it would be fun to hike to Waterfall Canyon. We weren't sure how far Lemur and Mister would be able to make it, and it would have been easier/shorter if we had known where we were going. There were a couple of confusing signs, and we ended up on the "scenic" trail. (In this case "scenic" translates to "much longer, with a nice view". Although, the regular route is just as pretty--we took it on the way back down. How can it not be when you're in the mountains overlooking the city?)

Anyway, we hiked the long way in. By the time we got close--to a little bridge where we took the picture that is now the title photo--I was thinking the little ones would be ready to head back down. But, the big ones were excited and wanted to go on. So, onward and upward. Or "tallyhoe", as they kept saying. Though it was "teddyhoe" until I corrected them. Upward is the best description, though, as it was nearly straight up and very rocky. I was impressed with Lemur's climbing abilities. (Ben had taken Mister on ahead.)

Finally, we made it to the top. I was exhausted. And out of water. The trickling stream mocked my thirst. So, with thoughts of speaking in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday in the back of my mind, I tried my hardest to give myself giardia by drinking the water that was flowing over the rocks. It was very thirst-quenching. And despite drinking a whole water-bottle of it, I didn't get sick. (Yet.)


Going back down over those steep rocks was a bit scary. At that point, I had Mister with me, and he kept saying over and over "I wish there was a short-cut to our car" and "I'm never hiking again, this mountain is scary". I was quite nervous going down, too, but we made it. And the non-scenic route was much, much shorter! Now we know for next time.