Anatomy of a Hike

It was a beautiful March day, that last Saturday before Daylight Savings Time lengthened our days--70 degrees, sunny, and amazingly, there was no wind. When I was hiking the Monument the day before, I thought to myself that I needed to text Meagan to bring the kids up for a hike soon, but she beat me to it. 

It doesn't bother me to hike the same place two days in a row, especially when the weather is so gorgeous, and the company so stimulating, so we made plans to set off around 3:00 on Saturday, right after Ari's nap. I had estimated that the hike, a little more than three miles from the bottom of Scotts Bluff, all the way to the top, and back down again, would take about an hour. If I had doubled the time, my guess would have been closer. I had forgotten to include the short-legs factor, as well as the curiosity and snack factors. Oh, well--it was a wonderful afternoon to spend outside with Meagan and the grandkids.

And we're off!
 The girls ran ahead before sitting down on the trail to wait for the rest of us, while Ari tried his best to keep up. The more experienced hikers conserved our energy, because we knew what lay ahead.

We stopped for snacks much sooner than anticipated, because the kids knew exactly what goodies Tobin had packed for them--granola bars, fruit snacks, and Gushers. We each had a water bottle, as well. Tobin carried the snacks for a while, in a bag Grandpa had given him recently, but the water bottles and other paraphernalia traveled easily in the bottom of the jogging stroller. That sturdy, red stroller has served the family well, still going strong after the fourth Stobel child.

Tobin and Evelyn hiked the whole way up and down the Monument, and little Lydia hiked all the way up, and much of the way to the bottom, before she joined Ari in the stroller for the last few minutes of the hike. 20-month-old Ari ran more than he walked, whenever the trail was level and free of dropoffs. Unfortunately, his little pigeon toes tripped him up a few times, causing him to faceplant more than once, but his scraped elbow was the only obvious injury when all was said and done.

The tunnel is arguably the most exciting part of the trail to the top. Here, Meagan and the kids were poised to make their way through it. It took some convincing for them to pause long enough to wait for Grandma to take a picture.
 As soon as we reached the other side, we had to stop for a rest after the last steep stretch that leads to the tunnel. And, of course, everyone needed another snack.

Our next stop, on the way to the top, provided a great backdrop, with these rugged buttes jutting behind the kids, and the city of Gering sprawling eastward, far below their lofty perch. (Don't worry, this overlook is safe from any dropoff.)

When we finally made it to the top, Meagan and the kids paused at the lookout for yet another snack break. (Again, for you worriers, this wall doesn't border the very edge; there is a wide space at the base of the other side of the wall.)  Here, the city of Scottsbluff stretches out to the northeast of the Monument. From the top, we could easily see Chimney Rock, 20-some miles to the east, and Laramie Peak, 100 miles or so to the west, as a crow flies.

As we started back down the path toward the visitor's center, Evelyn stopped to read the sign, which reminded us to stay on the trail. Other signs warn of falling rocks and rattlesnakes. We always remind the kids to stay alert, and keep their hands out of holes. The only wildlife I've ever encountered on the trail was a huge walking stick (an oversized insect, something like a praying mantis) years ago when Victoria and I were hiking, but just last week, Meagan and the kids walked right past a baby rattler on a nearby trail.

It is always faster to head back down the trail. When we get to the tunnel again, we know we're entering the home stretch.

This picture showcases the magnificence of God's creation, and the sheer magnitude of Scotts Bluff. The trail drops off quite sharply to one side here, so Ari had to ride in the stroller, and the girls had to hold onto the stroller, or someone's hand, even though they didn't really want to. At eight, Tobin is cautious enough to keep himself safe.

And finally, as the sun started to sink below the western bluffs, we made our way down to the flatter part of the trail. It was nearly 5:30, and Tobin, whose shorts and t-shirt had been an appropriate choice when the sun was shining, started to complain about being a little chilly.

The trail was as busy as I have ever seen it, with lots of hikers, and even whole families, out to enjoy an awesome day of hiking, but we all headed down before the sun dropped below the horizon. Tobin wasn't too tired to photo-bomb the sunset.


The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. 
Psalm 24:1


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