This past week we spent our Christmas at the cabin. More on that later. Our visits to the cabin in the winter are usually comprised of a lot of relaxing, tv time, snuggling under blankets by the fire, and occasional jaunts outside to the snow. But, this year there was no snow anywhere to be found! And the weather was so warm -- highs of 55-60+ degrees everyday. While the kids would have been more than happy and content to spent the entire week indoors, I coaxed them out of the house for a small hike at Big Trees State Park.
It was a beautiful day - I just couldn't imagine spending the whole of it indoors. And as you can see, they all had a great time.
A walk around the North Grove at Big Trees never gets old.
It's a flat and easy trail, about 1.5 miles long. Totally doable for families with little ones. And teenagers. There is so much to see -- the enormity of these trees is truly astounding. Throughout the trail you will also come across giant fallen trees, many of them hollow, and the kids (young and old) just can't resist climbing over them.
We have never hiked this park in the winter. It was such a delight to end our hike with a visit to the Warming Hut. Inside, you'll find a blazing fire in the center of the room with tree stumps all around. Take a seat and get warm! But first grab a free cup of hot chocolate or hot apple cider. There was a sweet old lady attending to all of the drinks. So cozy! If only it was a little bit cooler that day, then we really could have enjoyed it.
I'm thankful that the kids humored their mom who loves to hike, and take pictures. No doubt there was griping and impatient sighs. But I power through and keep initiating these kinds of activities because I love witnessing the spark of magic that inevitably reveals itself. A playfulness. Connections. Laughter. The way they are drawn to each other. Games are created. Imaginations spark. Scuffling down the path and paushing to grab her brother's arm. Searching for the perfect stick. Battles ensue.
Yep, there is magic when we spend time looking at nature and looking at each other.
The kids were huge sports with all of my video documenting. Oh mom and her silly camera! I put together this cute video and after watching it I think they all agree that it was totally worth it!
Calaveras Big Trees State Park info
Here are more posts about our family hiking at Big Trees:
North Grove and South Grove - spring break trip
North Grove - with Anna, cousin Carlee, my mom and dad
