We had a beautiful, warm November Saturday, and we decided to take advantage by taking a trip to Red River Gorge for a family hike. We decided to do the double arch trail (more on that... we unknowingly got onto a different trail!).
Torin was an awesome hiker! He loved having his own backpack and carrying his own water and treats.
Everyone was in great spirits. There were great vistas all over the place. The sky was completely cloudless and bright blue.
It seemed like every quarter mile, there was another rock outcropping to explore that gave an expansive vista.
As we were going further into the hike, Jared started to realize that, perhaps we didn't end up on the double arch trail, but on the Courthouse Rock trail instead! Not to worry, we were still enjoying it.
As we approached it, the trail ended and there were a few scrambles to get to the base. We heard a voice from on top of the rock encouraging us to keep going. Eventually, we got to a place where it was more of a rock climb.
The guy behind the voice, Shawn, was waiting for us to invite us to join him up top. He had been camping there for a few days, and he was happy to have company.
Jared headed up first, and once he had done it, more and more of the family started to join. Jacob was first up
and Jacob and Jared hung out up there for a little while. Jacob was very proud of himself. He kept talking about how happy he was that he had done it.
Claire then followed us up, and it was a big accomplishment for her. The climb started getting up to a crack and then using pressure on both sides to go up.
Liam, of course, knew he could do it (he can do anything in his mind!). Shawn accompanied him up and showed him where to go and how to get himself up, and Liam kept talking the entire time up. He kept saying how he was just barely tall enough to do it - that someone shorter wouldn't be able to.
We spent a few minutes up there, basking in the glorious views and how excited and memorable it was.
Jared and Dani swapped places and she got to hang out with the kids up top.
Kate did a little climbing as well, getting up to the crack.
We didn't end up on the trail we planned on hiking, but as we headed back to the car, the kids kept talking about how glad they were about going on the wrong trail and that they were so proud of themselves for doing the big hike and climbing to the top of Courthouse Rock.
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