Rainbow Falls

With the weather not cooperating over the Christmas holiday to get out and hike, we have been looking for a good weekend since. If we've had nice weather, we already had plans to do something. If we didn't have plans already, bad weather was called for. Finally, this past weekend we were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather in Jones Gap State Park. We really enjoy waterfall hikes, but all the ones we have been on lately have ended at a waterfall with no sunshine...leading to a very cold Callen! I had told Doug no more waterfall hikes until the spring and summer, but the reviews on the Rainbow Falls hike had me wanting to go see it. The hike was only 2.5 miles (5 miles total), but had an elevation change of about 1200 feet. The hike up was fairly difficult, especially when you have an extra 30-35lbs attached to your back, but very enjoyable. The views and scenery along the way are beautiful and the 100' falls are amazing. 

View from our lunch spot

Rainbow Falls

Smaller waterfalls on the hike

Cal enjoyed the ride on the way up, stopping only a few minutes for a snack. We wanted Cal to stretch his legs and walk a bit, but he seemed to be afraid of the narrow trail and only wanted me to hold him. Once back on the trail, he passed out in the pack and missed the waterfall and lunch stop. He slept about half way back down the trail as well. Once he woke, we took him out of the pack again to 'hike' in a more forested area. He had a blast here. He climbed and 'jumped' off rocks. He crossed small streams...and then went back to play in the water until Doug took him away because it was too cold! Callen's favorite part of the hike was crossing a narrow bridge. It reminded me of a balance beam, so I told Cal we were going to walk the balance beam like we do at gymnastics. As soon as we crossed over to the other side, he turned around and headed back across. He did this several times before I finally had to pick him up and carry him away from it. We would have been there for at least another 30 minutes had we not picked him up!

Snack Time!

Poor Doug...

Tired little guy...and tired daddy!

Slept right through the lunch break

Playing with rocks and sticks

Walking the 'balance beam' bridge

Enjoying the view of the rapids below

'Jumping' off the rock

Doug and I joke that on hikes before Callen came along that we would see how fast we could make it back to the car. Now with Callen, we stop and let him 'hike' which adds at least 45 minutes to an hour to our trip time. But, it is well worth it to see how happy he is walking in the woods and playing in the water. We want him to appreciate the outdoors and respect nature. Hopefully by taking him on these trips now, he will grow to love the outdoors and find joy in the small things...sticks, rocks, and the sounds of nature.

Taking time to chill!

I keep a running list of places I need to take Cal on rainy days, summer days, or days when we just need to get out of the house. Jones Gap State Park is now on that list. Only a 50 minute drive from home, we will be able to spend a full day there in the summer walking part of the trails and playing in the river. He can get as wet as he wants without fear of freezing!