A Veterans' Day Nature Hike

Since Veterans' Day meant both boys and Daddy were at home for the day, we decided to take advantage of a nice day and go on a nature hike.  Our city has several nice trails and greenways along some of the major creeks, and one of the longest is just down the road from our neighborhood.  We thought it would be a nice walk for Cocoa as well.  She is still learning to walk on a leash without pulling and tiring herself out.  Daddy handled Cocoa while the boys explored and gathered the items on their Fall scavenger hunt lists.  They had a great day.  I have had good intentions to take advantage of these greenways for many years since we moved to Charlotte over 7 years ago, but alas, this was our first time.  It seems that Fall is the optimal time for us to utilize these spaces as the bugs eat me alive during the Spring and Summer months.

A Pinterest Scavenger Hunt we used.

The boys' first finds were some acorns beside the path.

Just starting the hike. 

Cocoa enjoyed her time exploring nature and meeting many other dogs along the way.  She strained her leash every time she passed another dog so only Daddy could handle her.

A map of our walk.  We didn't go the full four miles.  We walked about 1.5 miles down the trail and then back so total of about 3 miles.

My boys (and girl) are ready for their hike.

Brody finding a pine cone,

I had some left over gift bags they used to put their treasures in.

Evan's pine cone find.

Most of our walk was over this long wooden bridge built over the creek.   

We spotted a group of ducks swimming by.

And there was still some fall color.

Taking a rest before the hike back.

When Brody started getting tired, I made him a walking stick which helped a lot.  Being carried was out of the question for him.  Of course, Evan had to have one too.

Little hikers

Brody used his walking stick like a pro.

More fall colors.

Can you spot the duck in this picture?

Little hiking buddy

Evan wanted to walk behind us by himself.

I just love the way the leaves looked floating on the water.

Of course, Brody loves any water.

We had to go under a bridge where the road crossed over us, and I told the boys it was a troll bridge.  They wanted to climb the rocks.

When we got home, Brody and I made some Fall wreaths with the leaves we found.

So proud!

The rest of our finds made a lovely Fall addition to the table.

Our wreaths hanging on the wall.