Up to the Top

A few years ago, Mike and Charles did their first overnight hike. I was a little nervous at first, but I trust my husband and his judgement. Charles was only 9 then. The experience was unforgettable in his eyes. He caught the bug and was looking forward to more hikes with dad. Last summer, we were so busy that they weren't able to go. Finally, this summer, dad and Charles hit the trails again and went even farther. At 11 years old, he hiked in 6 miles with a pack and could easily out hike dad. My little boy is growing up and isn't so little anymore! My fellow moms and grandmas know what I'm talking about! They truly do grow up fast.





Mike said that he is going to have to pack a heavier pack just to slow Charles down a bit!




Anyone that knows my son, knows that he is well prepared. He left home with his BIG knife, his pocket knife, rope, hatchet and other survival tools he keeps in his "bag". He knew that open fires were not allowed where they were hiking, so he dutifully left his "fire starting kit" at home.

They drove to South Lake Tahoe, because all permits closer to home were taken; no big deal, SLT isn't that much further. Since it is a short drive, you really can lesiurly make your way to the trailhead and reach your final destination at a decent time. They left home in the late afternoon, arrived at the trailhead with lots of sunlight still in the sky, and started their hike to Half Moon Lake, high in the Sierras. High enough to keep mom home.




Charles, king of the mountain.





They hiked about 6 miles into desolation wildreness. It took a few hours to get there and the sun was starting to make it's way to Australia. They were pretty hungry too. They finally arrived at their destination and started to settle into camp. First things first, food! They pulled out the cooking equipment with the intention of heating up water for a space age meal (freeze dried food.) Oops, who forgot the matches?! Hmmm, looks like a cold meal for dinner tonight and a cold breakfast tomarrow morning! Oh well, we're men (or atleast a young boy), we'll make do with what we have. The sun is setting, they can't use the lamps, ah, but they have a flashlight! Yeah, we have light, well, atleast for a little while. The batteries were new but the bulb was old! Go figure! Have you ever had the bulb on your flashlight burn out? Never in my life have I experienced that! Needless to say, sleep came early along with a cold breakfast in the morning. It's all part of the experience and the fun! They had a great time and are looking forward to more hiking in the future. Maybe one of these times, they will pick a place with a lower elevation and I can join them too!