A Fall Hike

In order to take advantage of the fall colors, we decided it was time to do a family hike. We decided on the White Ranch Open Space area outside of Golden in the Golden Gate State Park. Although there are not a lot of aspens there, it is closer to town, and offers a lot of smaller, easier hikes that are good for kids. Our plan was to go only a mile or so down one path and then have lunch and come back, but the mile out was all downhill, and to avoid a difficult uphill journey for the way back, we did the full loop, putting us at about 3 miles total.

Averie was a trooper for most of the way, and was way excited starting out. Her temperament waned as we drew halfway there, so we needed to stop for lunch, ASAP. Unfortunately, the only nice shady spot was on a road, so there we camped. It was a bit unromantic, but served its purpose. I was not so comfortable, but the kids did not care a bit, as you can see. Tyler enjoyed his first faceplant from an unattended backpack being accidentally swivelled, and then partook of his first taste of "Rocky Road" by placing a fistful of rocks in his mouth for dessert.




It was a fun time, and to our amazement, Averie walked most of the way (albeit with a little bit of whining, but hey, it was past her nap time as well) and only had to be carried for less than 1/4 mile. The kids slept like rocks on the way home, and we all came home happy from a day outside.

And this has nothing to do with hiking, but I thought it was a cute picture. One of Averie's favorite things to do is to cuddle in blankets. Ha ha.