Backpacking with HF Kids.......

[Oms]

I really enjoy hiking with my son, but more so on a one on one. It gives us the time to talk and play in the woods without distractions of TV, video games or even him being too cool being with Dad. It's nice to teach things about the outdoors, to see him watching you with interest and the feeling you get when he feels that you provide security for him. Makes you feel needed and builds a bond between the two of you. Maybe one day I'll bring him on a hang. I believe he thinks it's a bunch of "old guys" just talking about hammocks. It's great you guys brought the boys, really cool!

[Shug]

I agree but in reverse? I would like my son (15) to be around adult men that are not all about themselves, ie drinking, sex, like most movies and TV show's depict but rather men that still do have wholesome fun.The more I can get him around decent adult men the better. At his age he needs to see men interact as men not men acting like Homer Simpson.

I was positively influenced by men backpacking with my Dad and the ones that cooked BBQ with him...... one was named Homer!!!!!!
Shug

[Poppabear]

Bravo Shug well said! Mentoring kids is a privilege and great joy. It helps to foster a whole new generation that has an appreciation for the great outdoors.

[GvilleDave]

My 11 yo son Davis now named "Lightning foot" is the best hiking partner I've ever had. The time we get to spend together in the woods makes me feel truly blessed! I enjoy sharing w/ him about hiking / camping and now hammock camping and in the process instilling a love and appreciation for the simple things in life. One of the best parts are the open and frank discussions that we share on the trail and in camp. Our little ones grow up way too fast and if you are like me life is always running 90 mph, its extra special that I can slow down & share my time in the woods with Davis.

Thanks for posting the thread Shug - Whoo Buddy good topic.

[JayS]

Shug -

My son and I just rolled in from a road trip to start his summer before he starts his summer job. He's 14 and told me about hammocks 4 years ago. The trip included 3 days and two nights backpacking in a place down south - I'm sure you never heard of it. Anyway, it was a good bonding time, including the 1600 miles in the car (he wanted the "road trip" aspect). One night we set up our hammocks in the dark and never took the tarps out of the snakeskins... the next evening, down by the river, a gulley washer let loose just before dark. I sat under my son's tarp talking with him about everything and nothing, if you know what I mean. That was on the "LGT" - a funny name for a trail. The other trails we hiked were silly-named, too. Rock Jock, Pinch In, Conley Cove Trail. As I said, I'm sure you never heard of such foolishness. But it was a great place and time to bond some more, make memories and help him become more confident. Hope you had a similar place to hang out in as a kid...

[Shug]

Shug -

My son and I just rolled in from a road trip to start his summer before he starts his summer job. He's 14 and told me about hammocks 4 years ago. The trip included 3 days and two nights backpacking in a place down south - I'm sure you never heard of it. Anyway, it was a good bonding time, including the 1600 miles in the car (he wanted the "road trip" aspect). One night we set up our hammocks in the dark and never took the tarps out of the snakeskins... the next evening, down by the river, a gulley washer let loose just before dark. I sat under my son's tarp talking with him about everything and nothing, if you know what I mean. That was on the "LGT" - a funny name for a trail. The other trails we hiked were silly-named, too. Rock Jock, Pinch In, Conley Cove Trail. As I said, I'm sure you never heard of such foolishness. But it was a great place and time to bond some more, make memories and help him become more confident. Hope you had a similar place to hang out in as a kid...

Hey!!!!! That touched me deep into the Gorge in my heart........
Nothing like it.
Glad you two had some good bonding

[tasthree]

Nice to here stories like this. Just read a article in Backpacker mag about generations of kids growing up and being taught to hug a tree, but not how to climb one. They called it nature-deficit disorder. I'm fortunate and live in the woods with trails cut into our property. My daughter takes her friends on them. For a few its all the exposure to the woods they ever get. I'm going to cut out a permanant spot so she can take some hammocks with them and hang. While they are hanging and talking they would be enjoying the woods also. That be stealth exposure.