Monday, November 21, 2011

Banks-Vernonia Trail


We recently took advantage of a dry November day to head out for a family hike. We have been wanting to check out the Banks/Vernonia trail for some time, and were glad we did. This trail is part of the "Rails to Trails" program, and the trail spans a 21 mile stretch of old train track, including two trestles. It's a nice level, paved path, and we can't wait to go back with bikes and ride part of it.

For our hike we went to a trail head near the middle of the trail and hiked about 2 miles in, and then back to where we started. The trail was pretty empty, but we did see some cyclists, walkers and a few horses.

The train trestles have been re-done with a nice path and side rails, but Rowan still had a hard time with the heights issue.

Grayson and Rowan had fun looking for the biggest leaves they could find.

We also had fun looking for mushrooms. We saw several different types of mushrooms that we have never seen before, and found some really cool ones.

Grayson wants to get a book about them to bring next time so we can identify them.

Along the way we saw reminders of the trail's past.

I really love the moments that our family shares on hikes.

I love that we are all together doing the same thing, that there are no distractions.

I love the laughs and the stories that are shared.

Some of my favorite things about these hikes are the moments between brothers. Those loving, connected moments...

....right before a wrestling match starts.

3 comments:

Paige said...

How cool! And holy cow, that is a HUGE leaf!!

Shannon b said...

What a great family day! I love that you guys do family hikes so often . . . That has long been on my list of things to do!

suzanne said...

Another awesome post, thanks!