sunny winter hike

Schools were closed on Monday for a teacher planning day, so I took the day off and went on an outdoor adventure with the children. It was sunny and warm - 50 degrees - and so we headed out to the Gorge for a waterfall hike with Anne and Camille. We hadn't explored Horsetail Falls in awhile and I wanted the experience of going behind the Ponytail Falls when the water was high. It was gorgeous out there - sunny blue sky, tons of water gushing through the streams, mossy green forest. I love Oregon.

 

Two photos, nearly identical: which do you think is better? A above, or B below?

Sunshine hitting the mossy green of the trees. Sigh. Be still my heart.

This photo is actually looking down into Oneonta Gorge.

Sebastian threw a stick down to the water, and his glove accidentally flew off his hand and followed it down. So he intrepidly clambered down the steep embankment of the gorge to retrieve it. There was a slip-sliding fall at the bottom but he recovered well, got the glove, and climbed back up. I was proud to see his bravery, especially after he got scraped up.

The intrepid three (plus one!) at Triple Falls. We had attempted to make it to this third waterfall on previous trips to Horsetail, but the kids always pooped out - so pleased to have finally made it!  The hike was 4.5-5 miles and I was happy with all three children for hiking it easily. Can't wait for spring and summer hikes together!

 

Back at the bottom, Sebastian proudly displaying the snow he carefully collected and carried all the way down from the top of the hike.