April Fool's Hike

I woke up this morning, wondering what to do to make this feel more like Spring Break and less like an extended weekend. We haven't gone anywhere, explored anything, or done something new/different. And I realized what I wanted to do, I couldn't because the weather was being most uncooperative. Rain turned to snow on Monday and Tuesday. Fat flakes, wet  flakes, slippery slush, here one moment, melted into muddy greyness the next. Blah. And, so cold! In the 20s and 30s. Geesh. I am SOO ready for Spring and Summer!

A friend invited us to meet them at the church today. I thought "Well, at least it'll get me out of the house". And, as I lay in bed, I knew I wasn't excited, even though it was something to do. I then said out loud, "I have cabin fever!" I just want to get outside, be in nature, go on hikes, see new or interesting things.

Then, amidst a flurry of text messages, the church gym meet-up fell through. I was almost relieved because the SUN was OUT and it was supposed to be a BALMY FORTY degrees (Fahrenheit). I mentioned that I was thinking about going hiking and was wondering if they were interested. I am hopeful I didn't sound too desperate. She said she'd talk it over with her kids, and called me back in a minute and they were game to GO!

So, with the thermometer reading 37, we headed to a local nature preserve just a few miles from both of our houses (there are so many awesome places 15 min form our place!!!). And we went on a icy, almost-muddy, goose-poopy, freezing cold nature walk. It was PERFECT!

Miriam pointing out some plants emerging from the dead leaves.

This picture Zoë took plays with my mind. At first glance, it loosk like grass against a boarded fence. Then, I realized it is fields and the "sky" I was seeing through the "slats" was snow in fields!

I love a timer! It is a little tricky finding horizontal surfaces on nature trails, but the 10 of us sat for this shot as the camera sat on a "10" sign post. Megan, Eden, Nica, Kevin, Miranda, Nadine, Brennan, Miriam, Zoë, and Anna.

Zoë split off with Kevin and Brennan to take the higher trail while the rest of us took stairs down to a lower trail.

Adventurers.

Megan (left) holding our cat, Licorice, and Eden.
Yes, we brought the cat. She was nervous and shaking the whole time, but I think she liked it, too. She was carried most of the way, and all the kids loved petting/holding her. Hopefully, given more experience and time, she will become a "walking cat" with us. She such a sweet kitty!

My awesome hiker! She kept up near the front, and even ran with the boys at the head of the pack!

We found this huge tree. It took almost 6 of us to circle it (we could get it with five if we stretched)
Miranda (hiding), Megan, Eden, Anna...

Eden, Anna... Miriam, Nica (back to Miranda, Megan...)

This gazebo hung out over the frozen lake just a little. There were tons of geese on the lake that flew off when we got close, but there were still some pairs that hung out on the ice. We had a "pretzel break". Miriam said that it almost wouldn't be a hike with the Bailey's if we didn't have pretzels.

Snacks.

The kids!
Anna, Brennan, Zoë, Kevin, Miranda, Veronica, Eden, Megan (with Licorice)

I can't say it was truly a hike, definitely more a nature walk. But, it was outside, the ground was slippery with ice, but otherwise dry (no mud, yet), and there was still lots of beautity. And just being OUTSIDE in the SUN was awesome.

Nature, I know this might be your way of playing a joke on us, but I am really REALLY ready for warmer weather (I'll take high 40s and 50s). I don't need 70s or 80s, yet... that can wait for Summer. But, I need to get OUT and be able to play in the beautiful area!