Today, we took a family hike in Somerset county, PA and enjoyed the wonderful fall weather we've been getting lately The kids absolutely love hiking and I am certain its the best way for them to learn and appreciate the wild and wonderful outdoor world.
Recently, as they have gotten older and more curious, this has become more and more fun and adventurous. It also helps that we don't have to carry anyone anymore either. But a hike is not just a random walk from Point A to Point B. A hike on this day was smelling the autumn leaves, picking up acorns, finding little salamanders, exploring underneath rocks, climbing trees, making hiking sticks, picking small mushrooms, and having lunch on some rocks near a small stream and skipping stones.
And recently I would trade any day fishing or hunting by myself to take them exploring in the wild. There is no need to be quiet, play the wind, sit in a tree stand or match the hatch. Don't get me wrong, that is where my heart lies and one day I will be able to share those lessons with the kids. But, I am finding so much joy in just spending time with the family and watching their little minds expand and grow every time they are out.
Its amazing to me that at 4 years old, the twins know the difference between an Oak and Maple tree leaf and that acorns come from oak trees and can explain all the animals the depend on eating acorns. The information they soak up and joy that fills them from just a simple hike is amazing.
