Enchanted Rock - Fredricksburg, Texas

Today was a lot of fun.  We decided to drive north of the city to explore the Texas Hill Country.  I didn't get any photos, but along the way we passed a ton of ranches, some with some pretty amazing gates. 

Enchanted Rock, dead ahead

We had looked at some reviews of hiking in the area, and a lot of people suggested the climb to the top of Enchanted Rock.  We decided to give it a try.  The sun was out, the rain was gone and the cool air kept us from overheating while we walked up a huge rock.  Surprisingly, the kids didn't complain at all as we hiked (except for Everett constantly asking for a snack)... they just kept on moving up, up, up.  Elliot was strapped to my back, and it was close to naptime, so he stayed put, didn't protest and enjoyed the ride.  Although it was tough, it didn't take long, and the view from the top was very much worth the climb! 

 

 

The whole crew, getting ready for the hike

Here we go!

Ben and Laila, moving right along.

Halfway to the top!

Notice the horizon line... this shows the slope quite well!

Ethan, King of the mountain!

Laila, Emma and Amanda - resting midway through the climb

The final stretch...

Ethan is in the lead.



Amazing view from the top!

Red cheeks and big smiles!

Fust Family at the top!



Huffey Family at the top!

The kids weren't tired at all, they ran around, exploring the top!

Pausing for a photo.

Derrick forgot his hat in the van, so he borrowed my hood to keep the wind out
of his ears.  Isn't he cute?

Heading down.  Watch your step!

The boys and Derrick, posing on top of a large boulder.

They look so tiny!



The kids, resting halfway down.

Hiking down gave me a bit of a flip-flop stomach every now and then, as the kids would start to run an I would worry that they would trip and take a tumble down the side of the rock... but we all made it safely down and enjoyed a small picnic lunch before heading off to our next adventure.

Enjoying a lunch of PB&J, oranges and unsalted cashews