Aloha Blast,

Those snails are really messing us up. But I wasn't expecting to see them or so many so I never checked to see what we are supposed to do if we run into them.

Funny thing about that tangle of branches...it was a good sized tangle, but once you get into the middle of it, you can stand upright no problem. And I do mean you. I know you are tall, but you and your buddy Yao Ming can both stnad upright in there. Yao might break his back getting in and out, but inside, lots of head room. I liked that spot too. My daughter had no problem, but she ducked too when I did. Kinda cute.

The particulars...we were in there for about an hour or so. So that means we only went about a mile or 1 1/2 round trip. She did walk until she wanted to go home, then she had to be carried about 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Then she walked the rest of the way out.

She did start off carrying her water, but about half way in, shucked her pack so I carried it. I weighed my kids packs out to about 2 pounds with a small Nalgene bottle of water, a few snacks, etc. Remember the little yellow backpack I put together for the 4H group? My girls each have one and I make them take it with them on hikes. My wife asked me if I posted the little safety booklet I made for the kids, and I haven't taken the time to. But I think when I have a few free moments, I will to get all of your expert commentaries. I'll also look for a link to the yellow 4H packs and post that too.

I think it really depends on her mood, since she did a slightly longer hike that was more hilly before she was 2 and she went for it holding my hand all the way up. Now that she is almost 3, sometimes she likes it and sometimes she doesn't. My older girl, who will be six in a few months, will go hike all the way. Her longest hike so far has been about five miles or so that she did under her own power about a year ago. I think with kids, you can't make them enjoy it so we just take them to get them outside, try to make it fun by having their friends along and having some activities and/or equipment to make their time more interesting and enjoyable, encourage them and not push them too hard.

As always,
Aloha!