Anders has made a definite shift in the last couple of months into a hard core hiker. At least for a three-year-old. I’m aware that everything is a phase when kids are little, but I am relishing this hiking phase while it lasts (and hoping it lasts forever).
I’ve also discovered a little secret. My own personal motivation wrapped in a candy wrapper. That’s right, I’m bribing him with candy.
This hike to Passage Creek Falls (5 miles roundtrip!) was my first attempt at candy motivation. I learned the power of candy here. If these people, who are my personal heroes, motivate their kids to hike with candy, it must be ok.
In all fairness to Anders, he had been hiking like a champ already. But, it was the day after Halloween and I wanted to push it a little to see if we could make it 5 miles. It seems like the candy was more of a treat than motivation, but who knows. (It’s five M&Ms from the trailhead to the falls, if you are keeping track.)
When we arrived at the trailhead, I realized I forgot my backpack. Finn either had to walk or I had to carry him. Going home was not an option. Finn ended up walking 2 miles, which may have been a record for him. I carried him (on my shoulders, on my back, asleep) for three miles. At 30 pounds, he is getting a bit on the heavy side.
The hike was lovely, as always. We are all at our best outside. The area burned a couple years ago so the colors contrasted and the bridges were new.














Hello!? What about bribing me with candy? It’s been a while since you carried chocolate covered ginger on our hikes?
I cannot believe you carried him bareback for 3 miles!!! You are one hard core mama!!
Well, we’ll just have to set up a Mutual Personal Hero Admiration Society, now won’t we?
So how long did it take to go five miles? Did you end up over or under one mile per hour?
@Heather- yes, I do owe you some chocolate covered ginger for all the stories you tell me to keep me entertained.
@ Jessica– I’m super hard core 😉 Or stubborn.
@Chris–this hike was under a mile an hour, but we don’t always move so quickly. I think it was 3.5 hours for 5 miles.