VIDEO: Maddie's 9th Birthday Backpacking Trip

**bonsaihiker** · 02-23-2010, 22:40

For anyone tired of the cold and snow, here's a video from last August! I take each of my children on a backpacking trip for their birthdays, and this one was for my daughter's 9th birthday. She's really a lot of fun, silly and very intelligent, and is great to hike with. These trips are super, and I hope they never end...

Anyway, we did the Gray's Arch to Pinch-em-tight loop, taking time to explore all the ridges, points, and rock shelters along the way. It's really a nice trip and can give you a good idea of what the RRG is like if you've never been there before. The trail can be a bit rough, but really not too bad.

Well, I hope you enjoy this video. We sure enjoyed filming it!

PS: I just uploaded the video, so it may still be a bit grainy. If so, it's still "in processing" by YouTube. The quality should improve markedly in a little while.

**Highstrung** · 02-23-2010, 22:57

Good for you! My first will be born in May and I can't for the fun we'll have in the outdoors.

**slowhike** · 02-23-2010, 23:02

Very nice Scott! Looks like a trip that neither one of you will forget!

**mbiraman** · 02-23-2010, 23:53

Memories that will last a lifetime. I don't know but when i see kids and their little hammocks or their little backpacks it warms the heart. Thanks Scott.

**eflat7** · 02-23-2010, 23:59

Good stuff! Man I cant wait for the warm weather. My daughter is 4 and is begging me to take her. Shes going to get her wish on a short trail this year!!!

**JayS** · 02-24-2010, 00:08

That was precious! Maddie is adorable and the RRG is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

**russmay** · 02-24-2010, 08:02

That was great, I liked the part when Maddie, said "Mama is going to freak out."

**mbiraman** · 02-24-2010, 09:48

I liked when she said " I'm fighting the urge to sit down",,,,made me laugh

**bdpalace** · 02-24-2010, 09:58

WOW...that is absolutely one of the best videos I've seen. I'm sure when she grows up, she will cherish the time you spent together cultivating her love for the outdoors. Not to mention the video diary of such a special time. Thanks for posting, that really made my day.

That's a great area. Some of my friends and our sons are doing a 2-day from Rough Trail through Wildcat trail at the end of March. I'm taking an extra hammock for "community" sharing. I would be surprised if someone doesn't come off the ground for good that night.

**Cranky Bear** · 02-24-2010, 10:01

Thanks for sharing, your daughter is too cute! Both my girls love the outdoors too, I haven't done any backpacking with them yet, that is hopefully coming in august all we have done so far together is car camping and hiking. But they love it!

Great to see more Dads take their girls out into the wilderness!

Cranky Bear