A few weekends ago we were all tired of being at home all the time because of one person or another having been sick so we bundled up a bit and went out into the sunshine. We ended up driving to Helen Hunt falls and hiking to the top. It's a pretty easy hike up for kids and the view at the top was beautiful.
The falls were frozen on top with a bit of a trickle running underneath. It was stunning. The whole creek that it feeds into along the road up was frozen as well and there were plenty of other people out exploring on a warmish January afternoon.
We got about halfway up and rounded a bend to see the top of the falls (as far as the trails go at least) and it looked like someone had spilled shiny white paint down the mountain. It was incredible to see a frozen waterfall of that size.
We're always seeing mountain climbers in this area but I was thrilled to see someone ice climbing their way to the top.
Sebastian was still feeling a little weak from being sick but was a trooper all the way until the end. I think they were worn out by the time we got to the bottom again although you can't hardly tell by their happy faces.
I've resolved to take as many of these family adventures into the woods as possible while we're in the Springs, even in the winter, to get to enjoy these beautiful mountains and give the kids a taste for exploring and adventure. Next time I may need to wait until everyone's feeling 100%.
-Rachel
