A Walk in The Park

A Walk in the Park

Shenandoah National Park, that is. That was our first hike of this past week. It was a milestone for both girls as it was Rebekah's first day hike in Shenandoah National Park. It was special for Rachel because she decided it was time to hike instead of riding in her hiking backpack on her Dad's back. Hike she did, the entire 1.7 mile round trip hike to the Pinnacles. We are very proud of her and Brent is very thankful she has decided she likes to hike instead of ride in the backpack!

July 2012

September 3, 2012

             
As you can see, from these two pictures, Brent has gone from carrying about 50 lbs. every time we hike, to about 20 lbs. Though this picture shows Brent waiting for Rachel, she actually led most of the hike because she was so excited!                 

Rebekah's first day hike in Shenandoah

Hiking back after sunset...

The girls and I

Brent, Rachel and Rebekah

The Pinnacles, Shenandoah National Park

The end of this past week, on Friday, we headed to the Priest for an afternoon hike. This was a big hike for our family because it is the second highest peak in Virginia. In addition, neither Brent or I had ever hiked this trail before. Rachel started out planning to hike but we all quickly realized this trail had more elevation gain than our last hike! She hiked about 3/4 of a mile and then needed to get into the hiking backpack.

We made it to the rock overlook before sunset and actually got to see quite a nice sunset. Then Rachel did hike the entire 2.2 mile trip back. So Rachel hiked just under 3 miles all together on this hike! She is a great hiker, especially at her age!                                                                                           

Brent taking a sunset picture

The Priest

Our sweet girls

Rebekah at the end of the hike

Rachel says "I hiked all the way back"

 As you can see, Rebekah and Rachel view hiking differently right now. Rachel is very excited about hiking and Rebekah just views hiking as an opportunity for a great nap!

 

 

Our family, September 7, 2012

                                                               Blackrock Summit

Rachel adding another mile to her hiking total this week

Appalachain Trail marker

 Our last hike this week was yesterday to Blackrock Summit. This hike is also in Shenandoah National Park. This is a neat hike, because in addition to hiking along the Appalachain Trail, the summit is made up of giant boulders.

Brent and Rebekah capturing a photo

Blackrock Summit trail map

The girls and I at the summit

Blackrock Summit, September 10, 2012

We are so thankful for the time we are being able to spend time together hiking as a family and for God giving us this opportunity to live in this beautiful place. We praise Him for the beauty of His Creation and the blessing of being able to spend time in it!


 “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.  For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills"
Deuteronomy 8:6-7