We started off on the loop just fine. Everyone was happy and warm enough. But then we accidentally veered off the trail onto a cross trail and hiked for a bit through a thoroughly open, unprotected area that was extremely windy. We realized our mistake fairly quickly (luckily) but then we still had to backtrack AND hike over the side of the mountain that was just a nightmare with the wind. The girls were champs and braved through the wind with us. For our parts, Chris and I hiked faster than we've ever hiked with the girls on our backs. We were practically running.
When we got to the backside of the mountain we stopped to warm up. Elise had had enough by that point and was crying. We had a little snack and took a water break. Because Kayla was no longer right up against Chris' back, she was a little chilly once we got out of the carrier. Chris lent her his shirt and hat for our break. So cute.
This time around the weather was sunny and nice. We decided to travel the 4 mile loop in the opposite direction than we normally do (this is the third time we've hiked this gorgeous loop). Since the weather was nice, we also added in the extra mile to make a side trip up to Duncan Peak. There is a watchtower up there and at this time of year a ranger is on duty to keep an eye out for fires etc. We visited last year and we were happy to find that the very same ranger was on duty when we went up yesterday. He even remembered us.
We got a few pictures up at the ranger station where the view is spectacular. We didn't take shots of the view because 1) we got many last year and 2) Pictures can't do it justice. It's a beautiful place and every time we go I cannot help but see the glory of God in all of it.
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