Time in the Mountains

After my canyoneering trip over Christmas Weston was asking me a lot about the mountains. He wants to know what I do up there, and I happily tell him story after story about the amazing adventures I've had.

One day he said to me, "Mom, I really want to spend some time in the mountains with you." I was thrilled, and told him that when he was a bit older I would take him canyoneering with Grandpa and me. But he persisted, telling me that he wanted to spend some time in the mountains with me right now. Being late May and already hitting highs in the 100s I was a little hesitant, but I decided that if my son wanted to spend some time in the mountains with me I was going to do it, Phoenix heat or not!

After packing sunscreen, snacks, a baby pack, hats, diapers, and plenty of water, we drove out to Pinnacle Peak Park, about fifteen minutes away from our house. The trail is 3.5 miles round trip, but I decided that we would go until Weston wanted to turn back, no questions asked. After all, it was his first hike, he's only 3 1/2, and I had run six miles that morning and would have Dylan in a pack on my back. And it was approaching 90 degrees at 9 am.

Weston was so excited that I could hardly contain myself! He was scampering around the parking lot itching to start our hike while I strapped Dylan in and adjusted the pack. When we were ready he took off at a steady trot up the gentile incline. After a few yards we reached the trailhead and it immediately became steep. Weston just plugged away, asking questions about other hikers, runners, cacti, rocks, and signs. He seemed totally in his element up there, to my complete and utter delight. We stopped to look at the beautiful vistas and to climb several large rocks. He always remembered to drink his water when he got thirsty, and was friendly and courteous to other hikers.

We made it just past the one mile marker where we found a nice place to stop for a snack. We sipped water and ate granola bars, and Weston decided he was ready to head down. On the way back he noticed the signs marking the different foliage that he had apparently missed in his excitement on the ascent. He asked me to read every sign and listened intently, repeating the name of the bush or cactus and asking intelligent questions about each one. At one point he told me that he really liked hiking and learning about science, and he can't wait to do it again.

I am so proud of my boy! I want so badly to instill my love of the outdoors in my children. I can't wait until they are older and can go backpacking, rafting, climbing and canyoneering. I plan to take them hiking often when the weather cools down and am excited to do some family camping as well. Nothing is better than spending time in nature with the ones you love. Nothing.

Ready to hike!

My little climber

Stopping for a snack

We did it!