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Our tradition for New Year's Day is to go on a family hike. This year we challenged ourselves and went on our hardest hike to date. If you remember we found a new hiking trail in November and since we loved it so much we decided to hike it again. The first mile of the hike is uphill, some parts steeper than others, but it is a definite uphill grade.
We reached the ridge line and looked to the left and saw this trail snaking its way up another hill. The day was very foggy and the trail looked like it was going straight to heaven. We decided to keep going uphill, this is after a mile of uphill we just completed!
Up we went, into the fog, our lungs burning, our thighs burning...it was gorgeous.
The last portion felt like we were walking up steep stairs. I felt like I would have fallen backward if I stumbled at all. It was quite unnerving. Of course the dog and kids just ran up the hill like it was nothing while Dave and I were sucking air and dripping sweat.
At the top we looked back and our trail was swallowed up by the fog, a gorgeous site. I love foggy days and I love hiking on foggy days.
Foggy days are somewhat eerie and when we walked by a dead tree full of turkey vultures, the eerie factor was escalated.
I was able to capture a profile of these gorgeous scavengers. They may be eerie, but I think they are beautiful birds.
On the way down the hill the kids found this crater and decided to explore it. I think it is an earthquake fault line, but I didn't tell them that. I think Baron is trying to rescue them.
Speaking of Baron, isn't that a gorgeous face? He looks so happy. He loves nothing more than to run free in the hills, exploring the wilderness.
Speaking of gorgeous faces, this is definitely my new favorite picture. They look so healthy and happy.
14 comments:
Wow, what an undertaking, good for you. I'm sure glad you took these great photos, and it gave you time to catch your breath, too. Love the photo of the kids.
You are one hiking family.
We have zero traditions that involve athletics.
We are all food, all the time!
oh i wanna come and hike!! that looks gorgeous!! we've actually had some turkey vultures here in michigan...it was so odd!!
happy, healthy, prosperous...new years to you and yours!!
xoxoxoxo
Beautiful pictures! The turkey vultures are a bit scary looking, and I love the one of your kids and your pup! Happy New Year!
Wow aren't you the energetic ones? I spent the day lazing on the beach! Yes lazing, I swear the kids did not come out of the water for 4 hours while I just sat there contemplating life! I was too tired to do much else!
The kids have grown so much since I first "met" you! Gorgeous. And how great to hike as a family? We've got our sites set on Yosemite for our 2009 family vacation...looking forward to it!
What a great tradition....to get out there and start the year right. Better than us sitting on our butts and playing Video Games all day long.
An absolutely beautiful family!
A great way to spend a few hours. Great photos.
What a fun tradition! We love hiking but never thought to make it a tradition on a certain day. :) Fun! That's a great photo of the kiddos!
Well now I feel like a total failure. Our New year's tradition is to lay around and watch as much football as possible. I hate you health types, always making the rest of us look bad!! I'm gonna have to go eat some doritos now to make myself feel better!!
The best tradition!
I love to walk.
the tree of turkey vultures just made me laugh out loud.
i had EVERY intention of calling you on New Years and then i left my phone at home. We were in the area. My inlaws internet was not dialing up (lame) and you didn't answer me when i finally decided to just go outside and yell your name. ;) i am angry with myself for getting sick and wasting the entire winter break.
J goes back to school on Monday. On the weekend of Jan 9th she is bringing home the class Chinchilla. wanna come over and play?
I always think that what you do on new years day sets the tone for your whole year. If that is so, you have some joy and wonder ahead of you. I hope so!
love and peace, and good thoughts for the year ahead.
What a great tradition. You really make spending time with family important. Your kids will always be close because of that, I'm sure. thanks for sharing your beautiful walk with all of us!
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