Winter Hikes
This is the beautiful Auburn Recreation Area, which is just 25 to 30 minutes’ drive up the hill from where we live.
We went hiking there with the boys in early January. It was a beautiful day and we all had lots of fun.
We found some glorious rock formations right at the river’s edge that looked like a huge castle. The children naturally climbed to the top immediately.
We were reminded that we all feel good when we go on nature walks together; we get out of our house and routine, we leave the argued-over toys and housework behind, we get to bring our fluffy friend Solstice along, and we can be together with a little buffering space between us. The boys like to roam out far ahead and that’s so good for them. Ian and I can have a conversation. It’s inexpensive. Overall, it’s really a great solution for family fun.
We tossed stones, looked for dragons’ eggs, found great sticks, climbed, and explored. Perfect.
We have been having really nice weather (if a little cold for my taste), and that inspired me to ask my dear friend Nicole to go on a local hike with me on the American River parkway while the kids were at school. As much as it is good for my kids to be out in nature, so it is also good for me!
We went on a Thursday in the middle of the day. We walked for two hours, got just a bit happily lost, and then found our way back again. This is an amazing pond area we found right near my kids’ school, isolated from the running river. I don’t think this body of water is there during the summer, but I could be wrong. I’m hoping I can find it again.
This is the iconic Fair Oaks footbridge.
Such a pleasant way to spend a few hours! We are going out again this Thursday—grown-ups and no kids. But you can bet Ian and I will be doing another winter hike with our kiddos soon enough!
How are you enjoying nature this winter? Are you skiing? Snow-shoeing? Playing on the beach?
