Well, we found (what we believe to be) the trailhead to the hot springs! But by the time we got there the storm clouds rolling in (along with the lightning) looked pretty meanacing so we decided that our hike would need to wait for another day.
Now we had a problem. Our kids were expecting a hike. However, since they were all asleep at this point in the journey we decided upon a brillant plan "B". We just drove to Bridal Veil Falls for a much shorter hike. Our boys just knew we were driving and didn't really know which hike they were going on. So here we are at the trail head!
And off we go!
It was pretty level so the boys thought it was great.
Nothing is nearly as fascinating to our boys as any body of water where you can throw rocks. But when that water is a river...how cool is that!
I got to walk with Aleky and he wanted to hold my hand all the way! How lucky am I?
Well, that hike didn't quite last 5 minutes so the boys wanted a little more adventure. We paused at the bottom of the falls for a picture but the boys wanted to play in the cold water. Then we directed them to a "trail" just east of the water.
Let's just say that the trails is much steeper than it looks. You can just see David coming up the rock slide.
The trail proved too much for Donovan and Michael and they turned around and headed back down the mountain. I can't really blame them. After all, David slid half way down the mountain until mommy saved him. Since I was already at the top with Aleky I put David in charge while I went to rescue the rest of the family (that's how I discovered that they had turned around and gone back down).
After saving my family it was time for a victory photo.
The family did make it to the top but we had to find the real trailhead which is to the east of the waterfall, just across from the bridge (from the parking area).
The sun came back during our ascent and was quite warm. Under these warmer conditions we decided to let our boys play in the water at the bottom of the falls.
Michael (trying to decide what to do next)
Throwing rocks is always a hit but it's so cool to throw big rocks into the river.
(Short video clip of the rock throwing)
The boys headed back to the car after so much fun in the water.
But how do you get them to walk together? The three oldest boys are all in this picture below...can you see them?
Michelle had anticipated a little bit longer hike so she had prepared a picnic lunch. So we stopped at the nearest picnic table and had lunch in the park. It was such a fun family outing.
