Once we arrived,we checked the map and tried to figure out where we were going. We knew we wouldn't make the whole trail but we wanted to be able to see a few waterfalls.
The beginning of the trail - seems easy and peaceful!
When we started the official trail, there were all sorts of warnings about how the path may be dangerous and to be careful, so we were a little nervous, but we hadn't come all this way for nothing, so we started down the path with the understanding that at some point, when it seemed too dangerous for the kids, we would stop.We started with a big hill - going down - nice when you start, not so nice on the way back!
We found the river almost immediately and our trail followed it.
The boy in his "safari" hat.
"I wonder if we could climb that tree across!"
This picture is completely posed. 10 seconds earlier, they had all been standing and looking out, but as soon as the cameras came out, they were on the move, so we made them stand there again so we could take the picture.
Rudy was supposed to be in this picture, you can see his hat, but he moved at the last second.
Rudy was also supposed to be in this picture, but he wanted nothing to do with us.
My boys.
When we reached this waterfall, Onondaga, we thought it was the end of the line. The stairs and the path were really steep. Andy and I went down just to take pictures, you can see everyone else at the top. But it wasn't too bad coming down, so everyone followed and we continued on.
I forgot to look for a name plate for the other waterfall we saw, but I thought this was cool.
Tyler and Noah posing nicely.Yes, Rudy should have been in this picture, too. Do you see the pattern?
The last waterfall. At this point we decided to turn around - not because the path was too hard, but because we knew we still had to go all the way back with the kids. I believe this waterfall was named F.B. Ricketts.
We were able to get a whole group picture thanks to the couple that we met on this bridge.
We stopped for a snack so we cold make it back and then continued on. Here's me and the boys. I crouched to be near them and then they all leaned over.
The top of the waterfall.
Steps we had to climb up.
Vincie and I. I don't think we've had a picture of just the two of us since my wedding (8 years ago)!
I took this by holding my hand out. I was surprised how well it came out!
The troops walking back. Andy carried Sean almost the whole way.
Vincie, Noah and Tyler heading to the parking lot. The boys all made it back with little complaint. Rudy really slowed down at the end, but he didn't complain.
We were parked by the lake and beach area, so we ate lunch there and the boys checked out the water.
Since we still had to drive back, and hadn't been prepared for swimming, we told the boys they couldn't get their shorts wet. Noah was the first on to realize he could go in a little farther if he pulled his pant legs up, the other two soon followed.
Back at the campground, hanging with Sean.
After dinner (our meat from the farm), we made s'mores. Tyler was so excited to make them for the first time!
After s'mores, Rudy wanted to go swimming, For two summers now he has been asking to be like a diver. This summer I found a kid's set with a snorkel and fins. He was so excited! He uses the snorkel really well and loves to swim with the fins on.
Swimming across the pool with Paul.
This was our last night and Paul had only made a fire one other time, so that was his goal fo r the night. You can see Vincie and Andy's cabin in the background.
