Hiking

One of the things my husband and I have enjoyed doing since we were dating is hiking. Before we had children, we would hike several times a month. One of the reasons that we chose this area to live was the close availability of hiking opportunities. When our first daughter was born, we started hiking with her in the pack at 5 weeks old. When she started toddling, she would toddle for a bit and then we would pack her the rest of the way. As she got older, she would hike more and more of the trail with us until she could make the whole trip herself. We started the same routine with our second daughter but with her medical needs we have not been able to to do this with her as much. She does, however, enjoy a small jaunt in the woods.

I find hiking not only good exercise but very relaxing. I can walk in town and other places and get the benefit of the exercise but there is something that is mentally cleansing to me about hiking. I love the quiet. We tend to try to go on trails that are not heavily traveled. No matter the time of year, there is unique beauty in the season. We have not been able to go as much lately and I have really missed it. I look forward to the times when we are able to go though.

If you have not hiked before, try it sometime. It is great exercise and if done correctly should not have any impact on the environment except your footprints. Start on easier trails and work your way up. You might be surprised how much you enjoy it.   

Respite

As I have said before, my youngest daughter has special needs. We love her to death but she requires lots of extra care because of her medical condition. Fortunately, we have good friends and family who give us respite at times. Our good friend down in Richmond is a nurse and will take care of Makenzie for us some so we can have an extended break (more than just a couple of hours). This weekend would be one of those times.

Mary, Chuck and I have taken this opportunity to relax and spend some time together. Yesterday, we took it easy, watched a movie, practiced some driving with Mary and just hung out together. Today, we are headed to Red River Gorge to go hiking, just the three of us. I can't remember the last time we have been able to do this. We started hiking with Mary when she was 5 weeks old. When she could toddle, we would let her walk a little bit until she tired and then put her in the backpack after that. She grew up hiking and by the age of five could hike anywhere we could. When she would get really tired, Chuck would put her on his shoulders for a little break. She continues to love to hike.

I'll hopefully have pictures to share later. Looks like it is going to be a pretty day and good weather.