Over the River and Through the Woods

Last night we got the urge to go snowshoeing so we grabbed our snow shoes and head lamps and headed out to one of the muskegs where we knew there would be lots of undisturbed and semi-deep snow. It was so much fun and even though it was pitch dark out, we really didn't need the headlamps because the snow was so bright. The moon was not out so I am not sure what light the snow was reflecting, but it sure was bright. The kids had a blast and we enjoyed our time so much that we could hardly wait to get up this morning to go again, this time in the daylight. So we got ready and headed out to the Indian River Falls trailhead. It is a trail that follows the

river up five miles to a beautiful waterfall. We knew we couldn't make it all the way with the kids, but even if you don't go the whole way, the trail from the beginning is beautiful and

makes for a great walk. We figure we made it just shy of two miles up. We gauge the

distance we go by how the kids are doing. When we first start off, they are way in the lead, but when we are able to keep up with them, and the mood starts to change from pure joy to just having fun, we know that it is time to turn around and we should get back to the truck as

their enthusiasm runs out. It worked perfect today! They were spent by the time we got

back, but still smiling. And we were happy to have gotten about three and a half miles under our feet. The hike is a very easy one as far as the terrain goes. The river goes up the valley with

just the very slightest incline. We hope that by the time we leave here in three years that the kids will be able to make it the whole way.

Today was absolutely beautiful with the snow along the river and covering the trail like a white canopy and the ground covered everywhere you turned. Come along for a taste of our hike!

The river is crystal clear and even today looks so inviting....

Going up......

Dad makes the perfect ride!!!....

Nelly waits for the others to catch up.......

Meg liked to hide and jump out at us!.....

Andrew was trying to get covered in a shower of snow.......

This would be FUN in the summer!!!!......

I'm always taking the pictures so I figured

I had better get in one of them!.....

The girls lead the way.....

We found a perfect spot for a picture along the way - but it was very cold right here

since the wind was blowing down the valley! It was the coldest spot on the trail...