One of our favorite things to do as a family is take bike rides out on the trails at Fort Stevens. This was the first year that everybody was riding their own bikes the whole way! I guess we can finally sell the bike trailer. Grandma Mac came with us a lot this summer and we went at least twice a week in August. I had to get brave and learn to drive the Klampittmobile (which is the term of endearment I've given our motorhome) so we could fit all the bikes in with all the people.
We found a particularly enjoyable route that was just the right length - about 4/5 miles. That's about all the kids (and mama) are good for yet. It has perfectly spaced "break points". The first stop is at the second bench where we have some water and usually an energy pill (jelly bean). The halfway point is Battery Russell (where we always have to climb and explore the old military rooms).
Next we meet at the top of a tall wooden bridge that crosses the road, wait for a car to wave at us, then take turns dropping down the bridge which is the biggest hill of the route and always results in exhilarated hoops and hollers.
Still coasting from the bridge we come to the "chocolate river" - which is actually a very muddy creek, but beautiful - and the way our favorite bike route earned its name, the Willy Wonka Trail.
Last stop is a wildlife viewing deck where one day Tyler forgot his lollipop on the bench. When we came back 2 days later, only the wrapper was left. We decided there was a very lucky squirrel in the forest.
There is one spot on the trail that always smells like a band aid to me, but I never told the kids. One day when they're older I'll tell them the legend of "Bandage Man" and add that little tidbit to our route for a little excitement.
We found a particularly enjoyable route that was just the right length - about 4/5 miles. That's about all the kids (and mama) are good for yet. It has perfectly spaced "break points". The first stop is at the second bench where we have some water and usually an energy pill (jelly bean). The halfway point is Battery Russell (where we always have to climb and explore the old military rooms).
Next we meet at the top of a tall wooden bridge that crosses the road, wait for a car to wave at us, then take turns dropping down the bridge which is the biggest hill of the route and always results in exhilarated hoops and hollers.
Still coasting from the bridge we come to the "chocolate river" - which is actually a very muddy creek, but beautiful - and the way our favorite bike route earned its name, the Willy Wonka Trail.
No comments:
Post a Comment