Hike to Bald Knob

This is one of our favorite hikes.  The last time we got to go on it was when my  seven year old was a new born.   

Bald knob trail at Mountain Lake goes straight up through a windy, and shady path, several fern forests, and some giant boulders you get to climb over.   We climbed up 1,000 ft in the half mile hike up.  

At the top of the hike you get a 180 view, hawks flying below you.  (Don't worry Grandparents, we never let go of their hands unless they were sitting well away from the edge.)

 We were surprised that Jonathan didn't just keep up, he kept ahead of us.

We don't go hiking as much as we used to (which was nearly every weekend back before we had kids and when we had a newborn)

Lately we only go about 4  times a year to easier, more level hikes.
A lot of the time we would have to turn back early because they would start whining or crying half way in.

But on this day with the kids so excited about climbing a mountain, we realized that we have raised hikers!

 Jonathan made this "Map to Anywhere"  to help us on the hike.
He made sure we stayed on course.

 We took Bald Knob Road back making a loop hike.  The road  was covered with wildflowers and butterflies (and two snails!).  The road is a more gradual descent so we don't hurt our knees(adults), or fall down the steep rocky path(kids).

 They had a great time our little mountain climbers!
We are so proud!