Wrapping up Hiking in 2017-- #52hikechallenge2017

As a family, we attempted to complete the #52hikechallenge2017, which essentially is a hike each week.  We were unable to make the goal we set for ourselves.  For the purposes of our challenge, we only counted evening walks that were at least 2 miles, though we did in fact take many additional family walks to the nearest park that is just under 1/2 mile from home.  In addition we didn't count any of the backpacking excursions that Chris went on, both with his brothers and with Kayla and Elise.  Had we chosen to count these things, we could have made our goal, but our goal was 52 hikes as a family, which simply wasn't meant to be in 2017.  We also ran into problems getting out with the many visitors we had all summer long, though we were able to convince some of them to join us for a hike or two. But when all was said and done, we were 10 hikes short of our goal with only 42 hikes.  

That being said, we finished out December strong with our final 3 hikes in the last week between Christmas and New Year's.  We are quite proud of our kiddos and all the growing, learning, and persevering they did hiking this year.  

Hike #40 was a hike along a nearly trail that connects some of the neighborhoods in our suburb.  It was a chilly evening, but we caught some beautiful views of the sun saying goodnight to the mountains as we headed toward home.   

Hike #41 was a stretch of a long trail that follows alongside a canal not far from home. 

 Sophie and Kolbe were rather enamored by the trucks doing work off the side of the trail.  

 Eventually Kolbe decided he was done with the chilly weather (doesn't the sun shining make it look deceptively warm?) and cried for the last 1/4 mile which was....not pleasant.  This picture was taken when he was still content and enjoying the scenery.  

 The trail also wound alongside some train tracks, and eventually crossed them.  The girls held hands for a cute picture.  

 Again we were able to walk along as the sun dipped down toward the mountains for the night.  

These mounds of various materials (mulch, stones etc.) were at the very end of the trail section we hiked and Elise called them the little mountains.  ha.  

And our last hike of the 2017, Hike #42 was the next stretch of the same trail.  

 

This section passed by a reservoir.  

 This time the girls found a bridge to pose on (they love bridges just like their mama)

 

What water that was in the canal was frozen.  

 The end of this section of the trail was a park.  The kids enjoyed a little break swinging and going down the slides before we turned around and headed back to our car.  

 

And once again, we were able to say a cheerful goodnight to the sun as it dropped in the sky for the night.  

All in all, we had a wonderful year hiking and exploring together.  

We still plan to hike a lot as a family in 2018, but we have a different idea that should mix things up a little and add a bit of extra fun and novelty to the year.  

Cheers to family, fun, and spending time enjoying God's creation together in 2017!  

We hope 2018 is filled with many more hiking adventures.  

Hikes 38 and 39 of the #52HikeChallenge2017

We got behind on our #52HikeChallenge2017 this year, mostly due to random illness, weather, and visitors, though we did our best to still get some hiking in here and there with certain visitors who were up for joining in the fun.  Additionally, we didn't count most of the family walks in the neighborhood nor the hiking that was done on backpacking trips this year which definitely would have easily put us ahead, not behind.  We are hoping to get at least one more hike in this year, maybe a few if the weather cooperates at all in the next week.  

Despite missing our mark a bit, we have had a fun time and we are super proud of our kids for all the hiking they've done (not just this year, either!).  We are blessed to have some fun little hiking buddies, and can't wait to see what new adventures 2018 holds!

Earlier in December, we hiked along the South Platte.  Sophie hiked the whole way and Kolbe moved into Dad's pack.  Toward the end, Sophie got pretty tired, and was straggling, so she hitched a ride on my back for a bit.  

Hike 38

They all wanted to sit and watch the water splashing down over the rocks and it was so sweet. 

 

Afterwards, we checked out the nature center nearby which was very interesting.  

Hike 39 was a couple miles on the trails that connect the neighborhoods in our town.  We hiked from our "close park" to the next park on the trail line just before dusk one evening.  

The kids played on the playground briefly and then we headed back.  Our intention was to walk back in the dusk, so that it would be dark by the time we arrived back to our neighborhood and we could look at the Christmas lights all around us.  

The kids really enjoyed that and kept pointing out Christmas lights as they spotted them.  

We'll definitely have to do it again next year.  

Castle Rock hike: #52hikechallenge2017

We picked up a Craiglist special for Sophie's upcoming birthday in Castle Rock, so we decided to do the short 1.45 miles up and around THE Castle Rock.  

 

It was chilly on the one side of the hill because it was shaded.  

But once we hit the sunny side, we got some more light and a little extra warmth too.  

Hiking around Castle Rock

                         

 

I caught some fun shots as the sun was beginning to set 

 

 and then we rushed down the hill to the parking lot so Sophie could use the restroom.  ha. 

Next we headed back home because Father Javier joined us for dinner that evening.  In addition to dinner, he blessed our home as well.  And Kolbe wanted to help as much as possible. 

 

 

Terrible quality pictures, but I snapped a couple during Father's visit.  He is so great with kids.  He was joking with them and teaching them Spanish words.  And of course, he let the littlest ones tackle him which is pretty much their favorite activity.   He just has such a wonderful heart for the family and supporting and loving them.  We are so blessed.  

 

God bless you, Father.  We'll have to have you over again soon!