It's becoming a tradition to go on a spring hike with Grama Meri. Almost exactly one month ago on Friday, May 12th, I took the kids out of school to meet her in Cowiche Canyon for a hike. Some online research revealed this gem of a trail that follows the Cowiche Creek. The weather was cool and fresh, the creek was swollen and rushing, and we enjoyed nearly three hours of ambling through the beautiful little canyon before parting ways again. It is always a treat to spend time with my mom. She is such a dear Grama to drive over 2 hours to meet us for a slow toddler-paced exploratory hike/stroll. The kids love her and so do I!
The creek was nervewrackingly full and fast-flowing. I spent a good percentage of the hike dashing after Amber whenever she got too close to the water. She may not have tried jumping into the water on purpose, but she inherited my ability to trip over things like blades of grass. So I tried to stay within arm's length of her whenever the water was in sight.
Amber's motto is "the more rocks the better!"
Grama Meri and Rose Meri.
Rocks!!
Snack break at the base of a sizable cliff.
Jay conquered his fear of heights and joined Rose on her rocky perch.
There were a few stretches of the trail that were leash-territory for Amber, and she was not pleased with the arrangement. The leash really did not end up being very useful, since she mostly refused to walk much at all when it was clipped onto her.
"I have a strong will and I know how to use it!" Me too, Amby. Me too.
Pretty flowers on a woody brushy bush. It always amazes me how much flora this dry area manages to produce.
But, ROCKS!
Before turning back for the car, we hiked part way up the side of the canyon on a small path. It was steep! I carried Amber up and down most of the way because she kept falling repeatedly. My quads were burning with the effort!
Anything for a view!
I love the look of cloud-dappled shadows on the ground.
Amber became one with nature, jogging and exploring everything on her own two feet for almost the entire three miles. She went nonstop, full steam ahead, the whole time we were there and didn't even fall asleep in the car during the hour long drive home. She did, however finally surrender and fell asleep at 6pm that night, sleeping through to morning. I was comforted to know that the girl does have her limits.
Hurrah for the Cowiche Canyon!
Hands in the air seemed like the thing to do.
Hiking back down into the canyon
Jay, herding Amber along the trail with a long stick.
A low bank of dark rain clouds chased us all the way back to the car, and we almost made it before the rain began, dashing the last hundred feet or so to the car through the downpour.
Happy hikers, right before the rain hit and I stepped in fresh doggy poo.