Again the boys were not thrilled about going, but we had to get out of the house and turn off the TV. Yes it was really, really hot but I thought we were quite prepared. We had 5 water bottles to help us on our trek and I had my camera so I was set. Too bad I didn't think more about our attire. I don't think that Crocs and sandals equal great hiking foot wear. Oh well, you live and learn. 
Raven Run is a nature sanctuary about 20 minutes south of our house. It was really very close to the little ferry we rode the day before. I had heard about this place for the past 2 years so I was really excited to go. I'd say it was a bit like Red River Gorge, just not as far away, not as big and not as lovely, but it was great for a little Saturday afternoon outing. When we pulled up had no idea how big this place was, what there was to see or do, when it closed or where we should start. So we just hopped out of the car browsed the map, asked a hiker that was leaving which direction we should go and we were off. Prepared, I know....
Brynn was glammed up with her movie star sunglasses and pout.
We walked 1/8 a mile to the Nature Center. I was happy to make it this far, sign in, get a map and know we had 2 hours to hike. The trails closed at 6:30 PM and you had to be out of the parking lot by 7 PM or you'd get a ticket for trespassing. I'll pass on that last bit. 
We took the first hikers advice and started toward the lookout following along the red trail. I figured we'd just walk until we were tired and then head back. No pressure.
Soon all the kids found proper walking sticks to assist us on our journey. Too bad the boys' sticks were quickly transformed into light sabers, swords and machine guns ten minutes later. I was very happy we didn't encounter too many hikers on the trail. They might have gotten an unwelcomed thump on the head.
The girls started off strong, 
but soon were overcome by the lure of all the fun rocks lining the path. Looked like we weren't going to make it too far. Plus when I got them to stand up they were quickly back on their bottoms removing their shoes and shaking the pebbles out. Rule of thumb: Crocs on rocky trails= slow. Very slow.
So we posed for pictures
spied loved flowers on a mean sticker weeds 
and slowly made our way deeper into the trail.
Of course the walking made Brynn hot, so off went the shirt and the shoes. She eventually got down to only the diaper. Not a cute look. Rule of thumb: It may seem crazy, but bare feet are better than Crocs on a hike if you have tough feet like Brynn. Who knew?
As we got further into the canopy, the temperature dropped, the bright sunlight dimmed and the trail got a bit more narrow. And I talked Brynn into putting her shoes back on. 
It really was such a gorgeous setting (as long as you didn't listen to closely to the Star Wars battle the boys were waging ahead of me with their sticks....). 
(Lookout photo I found online) Here's where the story got a bit tricky. After an hour of hiking I noticed an "A" marker on the trail. Ten minutes after we passed it, I dug out the map to see we were maybe half way to the lookout. Part of me wanted to push forward and see it, but then the other part of me was starting to panic a bit knowing I had 45 minutes until the trail closed. Then it all became quite clear. The trail was maybe 2 feet across, there were tree roots at every step, we were climbing next to a dry river bed and the drop from the trail was getting steeper. I suddenly knew it was time to turn around and head back. It wasn't like a spiritual thing, I just saw as mothers do that this wasn't turning into a great situation for a me all alone with my five little hikers. A very nice lady passed us on the trail and she helped Kaitlyn get her sandal back on. Off she went toward the lookout as we did a 180 and began to back track. For ten full minutes I sweat as I lugged both girls in my arms down the narrow path. No lookout for us and I was fine with that. I was now focused on getting two wiggly girls who didn't want to be held or hold my hand back to safer grounds. I know this makes me sound so crazy to get this far knowing we had to get out, but the kids were so good I just wanted to see it through and it seem safe walking in. It's funny how the instant your perspective changes, you're new destination is the only thing that matters. Thankfully every step forward got us closer to the end and not long after we were close to the Nature Center and I could see we would be fine and get out on time. The girls were troopers and the boys never complained. 
After a quick pit stop for water, a quick peek at the turtle and that last 1/8 of a mile we made it to the van at 6:25 PM. After I loaded the girls in the van the nice woman from the trail walked by. I asked her if she made it to the lookout and she said she did. She questioned me if I had and I told her no. We just realized it was too much and turned around.She then told me three interesting things. 1st: She said the trail got more "treacherous" as you got closer to the lookout. (My heart skipped a beat with that frightening word.) 2nd: The lookout had no barriers or fence. It was just a clearing and then a few hundred foot drop to the river. 3rd: There was an easier path further down past the Nature Center that was flat that led to the lookout.
It made me scared to hear her story. I could begin to visualize how dangerous that situation could have been. The boys would have arrived before the girls and I at the lookout because we were walking further behind. My heart might have stopped as I held 2 hyper girls in my arms while still trying to keep 3 rowdy boys back all the while trying to quickly get away from the cliff. And lastly it was interesting to know that while there was an easier path, it could still lead to a place you're just not ready to be. I know I'll go back with Rich and complete the hike. It's not that we couldn't finish it safely, but I just should not do it alone.
It made me appreciate that there is a time and season for all things and that we must plan, think and never be afraid to back track and return to the right path as soon as possible. I was glad we went, but even more pleased to see first hand that when times get tough if you keep moving forward, with a prayer in your heart, a smile on your face that the trees start to thin, the light begins to get brighter and you know you'll soon be back to where you started. Safe. Good lessons for a hike. Life lessons for me.
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