Backyard Hang with the Boy

**opie** · 11-10-2009, 05:52

Originally Posted by bonsaihiker

Looks like fun, Opie. It's a gift you savor forever.

Here's my son and I this past spring at the Red River Gorge, KY where it rained most of the time as well, and this is my daughter and I in August with much better weather. This is the whole family out in some of the heaviest rain I've ever camped in, with the ENTIRE campsite under about an inch of water within 10 minutes of the start of the rain, but all dry and happy....

Yep, those are the best times....

Excellent!!!

I need to start "hiking" with my kids. I havent hiked anything since I lived near the AT.

**Arson** · 11-10-2009, 10:33

Originally Posted by bonsaihiker

Wow--beautiful night full of stars, crickets, and only the occasional train horn or fire truck siren.

Sorry about the sirens. Your the only one who seems to hear them.

**bonsaihiker** · 11-10-2009, 20:59

Glad you liked the photos. There's more on that Flickr site. I take each of my kids on a backpacking trip with just the two of us on their birthday. Really good times. Started that in 2008 when my son turned 5. My avatar photo was from that trip. Here's another--too cute:

**bonsaihiker** · 11-10-2009, 21:01

Originally Posted by Arson

Sorry about the sirens. Your the only one who seems to hear them.

Nothing to apologize for...I'm eternally grateful for people like you who risk your lives to save others. Thank you.

I do know what you mean, though. I am frequently worried about causing an accident when I pull to the side of the road LIKE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO.

**G.L.P.** · 11-10-2009, 23:40

I can't wait till my little guy is ready to do some hammock camping....it will be great

**bonsaihiker** · 11-11-2009, 20:34

How old? You might be able to snug him up in a Hennessey or something similar where he can't fall out. My son was 3 when he first started backpacking, but we were in tents then. He has been camping since he was 14 months old, but we had a tent where he could just run around and be safe. Ahhhh, the memories....

**hdbint** · 11-12-2009, 11:28

I'm wanting to get my little one out for an overnighter as well. Mom isn't too enthusiastic about the two of us going alone. My daughter is 2 1/2.

If I uploaded it correctly, she's the little one on my back in my avatar. We do day hikes quite often. She's loving it so far.

I might have to try an overnight with her in the yard first. Good on you guys for getting the little ones out in the woods.

**bonsaihiker** · 11-12-2009, 20:40

Wow...I don't know that I would be courageous enough to go alone with a 2 1/2 year old. When my kids were that small, one of us would have as their sole duty to watch them while the other made camp and did all the chores.

I'm glad you're teaching her a love for the outdoors.

Start them early and they'll love it forever!

**hdbint** · 11-13-2009, 09:27

Originally Posted by bonsaihiker

Wow...I don't know that I would be courageous enough to go alone with a 2 1/2 year old. When my kids were that small, one of us would have as their sole duty to watch them while the other made camp and did all the chores.

I know what you mean and it's one of the reasons I haven't taken her out yet. Getting my wife to go along is like pulling chicken's teeth. I've tried to get friends to go but it seems they just don't like the woods as much as I do.

I get fake interest and then excuses as the weekend approaches.

I'm faced with going it alone (w/the little one) or not going. I'm tired of not going.