Subscribe to Updates
A bouquet of fallen fall leaves

Fall Trails

A few weeks ago a good friend turned us onto a set of nearby trails that are under-utilized. Which is great for my COVID sensibilities. Most days we never see anyone – in the parking lot or on the miles of trails that twist and turn. As if I needed another reason to like these trails- they are close enough to our house that Kevin can join us for a quick loop midday.

Ainsley, Dillon, Kevin, Rayleigh, and Grayson all climbed on this massive downed tree.
Ainsley, Dillon, Kevin, Rayleigh, and Grayson all climbed on this massive downed tree.

With plenty of trails that criss-cross the kids aren’t bored. There are always new downed trees to climb…

Ainsley walked out to pose on a downed tree.
Ainsley walked out to pose on a downed tree.

…or branches to hang from.

Rayleigh hanging from an overhanging tree.
Rayleigh hanging from an overhanging tree.
Dillon hanging from an overhanging tree- with Rayleigh under his legs.
Dillon went out on the overhanging tree and Rayleigh posed underneath, while Ainsley waits for her turn to monkey out the tree trunk.

Nature is our playground – the place where the kids can run, scream, jump and slide.

Dillon trying to clear a gulley.
Grayson exploring a downed Oak tree.
Grayson exploring a downed Oak tree.

It’s also our classroom- where the kids discover the power of wind and water, the strength and perseverance of the trees’ desires, and wonder of nature.

Rayleigh, Ainsley, and Dillon discussing a broken tree from a tornado.
Rayleigh, Ainsley, and Dillon discussing a broken tree from a tornado.
Rayleigh counting the rings on a downed tree that was to clear a trail- she counted 46 rings.
Rayleigh counting the rings on a downed tree that was to clear a trail- she counted 46 rings.

We love being outside, but as the days got cooler and the water temperature dropped we thanked the river for a great summer and moved back into the woods.

A small pool of water collects leaves on an Autumn day.
A small pool of water collects leaves on an Autumn day.

We so very fortunate to have such an amazing ‘back yard’ to explore on these crisp fall days. And for hidden gems to continue to explore and maybe just maybe a few more photos where all four are looking at the camera.

Forrester kids pose on a raised wooden path on one section of trail.
Forrester kids pose on a raised wooden path on one section of trail.
Rayleigh, Dillon, Grayson, and Ainsley resting on a bench at the top of a hill.
Rayleigh, Dillon, Grayson, and Ainsley resting on a bench at the top of a hill.

We hope you are all enjoying the fall weather wherever you are.

Posted

in

by

Kelsey Ernst

Comments

Leave a Reply