I hope you all had a great Mother's Day! We did some yard work in the morning, but decided to take the rest of the day off to do some exploring. We drove the back roads (or some might call it the "long way") and stopped at the Fish Hatchery on the south fork of the Santiam to take a break. They have a big fish tank filled with huge trout. When we held Gabe up to the tank, he started kicking and laughing. He thought it was pretty cool! He would put his hands on the glass and the fish would swim right up to them. We held him up until our arms finally gave out! Looks like I have another fish addicted guy on my hands :)
After the hatchery, we headed on to a local natural area called McDowell Creek. There are about 3 miles of hiking trails that criss cross the creek on wooden bridges. This time of year the water is flowing pretty good and the vegetation is very lush. It makes for some really great pictures.
Dan got the pleasure of carrying Gabe up the trail in his pack, while I took the return trip downhill. We have gotten so much use out of this pack (thanks Jon!) and Gabe just loves it. He kicks when you stop to try and get you going again. Kind of makes you feel like a pack mule! I find it much easier then lugging around and trying to maneuver a stroller just about anywhere.
I can say I definitely have a new found appreciation for Mother's Day and Mothers in general. It is a wonderful thing to celebrate!
After the hatchery, we headed on to a local natural area called McDowell Creek. There are about 3 miles of hiking trails that criss cross the creek on wooden bridges. This time of year the water is flowing pretty good and the vegetation is very lush. It makes for some really great pictures.