27th, a 1/2 Hike - That Was Tough!

I had the privilege of babysitting my "hiker-in-training" today. Unfortunately, my daughter is not well and had to go to see a doctor, but it does mean that I could hang out with the best dude ever! We had an extensive road piece to do, approximately 10 kilometers, so we were all set for a great adventure!

I packed lunches, lots of water, sunscreen, bug spray and all the other baby paraphernalia and  headed north to a little place called "Kilgorie". In order to get there, I decided to drive the route we would be walking, just so I could get a feel for what was ahead.....

This was not the first clue of what lay ahead. That was when I turned on to Centre Road from 10 Sideroad. The sign said "No Exit". I checked my map, but it showed a road that led to River Road. I was a little confused. Then, I saw this sign. Let's just say that there wasn't a lot of summer maintenance, either!

After manoeuvering the car through huge potholes and down steep hills, some of which were washed out, we made it to the little town called Kilgorie. We parked by the mailbox, and I loaded the little man into his stroller, with all his stuff, and a cookie!

We set off going south. Beside the road we could hear, but not see at first, a small brook. Soon enough, the bugs decided we made a great lunch, so we sprayed ourselves with bug spray and continued on.

The view in the picture above is taken with the camera directly in front of me. This is the angle of the first piece of the road. It was not easy, but I figured I had been working out at the gym and now it would pay off!

 As you can see in the picture above, the road did not get any easier. It got steeper and steeper, and I think the stroller got heavier and heavier. We were treated to the lovely sounds of the stream as it flowed downhill and there was absolutely NO traffic sounds.

I had my little encourager with me, chatting and giggling all the way.

 However, when I tried to do the piece past the barrel, I could no longer keep going. The angle of the stroller was difficult enough, even if it had been a smooth, flat surface, but together with all the stones and the potholes, it literally became impossible for me. At one point I tried pulling the stroller instead of pushing and it still would not work, so we had to turn around. This was the first time I have had to do that, and it was not easy to give up like that.

 At least the way back down was quite a bit easier. We had made 1.4 kms with a 100m change in elevation. It was such a joy to have Judah with me. Here is a video of how happy this child is:

This is my view :).

 I really loved how this stream looked as it meandered its way down the hill. At times it didn't seem to be in a rush at all, and at other times, it was gurgling and swooshing its way down quickly.

This driveway is from one of the summer homes that grace this road. I assume there is something quite beautiful beyond this gate and grass driveway.

Happy to be back in the car and away from the bugs, we ate our lunch parked at the side of the road. (No, he doesn't drink Tim Horton's......yet!)