First official "Hiking with Kids" on Memorial Day, 2010

Our hike was planned to begin around 8:30 AM at the pond at the Beechwood Farms nature reserve. As we waited a bit for everyone to assemble, Paul Eiss and Elena showed us some dragon fly larvae which they caught with little nets. Thank you Paul for coming prepared! In the picture below Paul and Elena are in the background, while Jacob and Casey look at fish and other wild life from the edge of the dock.

Here's the dragon fly larvae! Click on the picture for a closer view!

Paul realized we had missed a turnoff when we hadn't yet come to the large stump which is home to several grumpy trolls! We doubled back, found the correct turnoff, and found the stump! Here are a few of the trolls who greeted us with grins and sneers!

We caught up with the Cato family and Mark was kind enough to offer the all important "dad shoulders" to Casey. (Casey's dad was in NYC and could not attend the hike!) Casey looks tired in this picture! Mark doesn't!


At the end of the hike the kids cooled off at a fountain they found in the plant store area of the Beechwood reserve. From right to left the kids pictured are: Casey, Elena, Devlin, Max and Jacob! Though the kids were a bit worn out (they hiked about 1.5 miles, and some of it was uphill!) I hope their smiling faces are testament to the fun we all had! Thanks to all who could make it, and I look forward to the next hike!