Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Hiking Read Mountain Preserve

A couple of weeks ago we decided to go for a hike.  The temps weren't too bad - in the 40s with a very chilly wind.  We headed to Read Mountain Preserve.  It's a 1.9 mile hike to the top.

This is Reid.  He thinks Read Mountain is his mountain.  On the hike, his brother Cort proudly told each passing hiker, "We're on Read Mountain.  And this is Reid!". 

It was uphill the whole way, but none of it was very steep, so it's a good hike to do with kids. 

Cort was quite the trooper.  In the past, he has been our straggler on hikes.  The one that tires out, starts complaining, and ends up being carried.  I guess he's matured some.  We were all so proud of him for being a hiking champ the whole way, with an inquisitive and persevering mindset. 

There were some lovely views along the way.  The trees are fairly bare, so you can see for miles. 

Almost to the top. 

Here is the view from Buzzard's Rock.  It was so windy and cold up top!  We didn't stay for very long - just long enough to admire the views and tell the kids 50 times not to get too close to the edge.
We had a pleasant 1.9 mile hike back down to the bottom, and were happy we got out in the woods, even if it was January. 

Readers, do you like to hike year-round?

38 comments:

The Cranky said...

What stunning views Lisa, and yay for Cort being a trooper!

Bas. said...

ja vooral in de natuur daar kan ik geen genoeg van krijgen.

Bas. said...

ja vooral in de natuur daar kan ik geen genoeg van krijgen.

Sunnybrook Farm said...

I have never heard of that trail, looks like a good short one. I imagine that it is covered with ice this morning.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love hiking ... really depends on the weather. can not imagine hiking in the snow or ice. but come to think of it ... it may be easier if it was cooler than so hot & humid. your boys are all bundled up. looks really cold. ( :

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I am pretty sure you know my answer:) You are such a great Mom to share this activity with your kids early on so they will have a lifelong love of the outdoors. Buzzards Rock very cool name. Your boys are so funny. Hug B

Monkeywrangler said...

It looks like a lovely place for a hike, Lisa. I wish there were such places around here to hike up. I know my kids would love it.

Jeanne said...

Great shots and how wonderful to take your boys out in nature! It is so handy that Reid has his own mountain to hike on too. These are times that your boys will nevsr forget!

Unknown said...

Am a big time mountain lover and sure enjoy the pictures this morning.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Great hike and breathing all that fresh air is so good for you!...:)JP

Our Neck of the Woods said...

The view is beautiful! Looks like an awesome trail and one that the kids can enjoy as well. Right now everything is frozen over so I haven't been on any trails in a while!

Willow said...

Such a great thing hiking !
Getting your kids started as a family event is so wonderful.

Nancy said...

I can't help but think each hike you take with your boys is a lesson... keep doin' what you are doin'. :)

Out on the prairie said...

Every day I have free I go out.Went two days ago and didn't see a soul so I can let the dogs run free.

Anonymous said...

A mountain named for him! That is really cool;)

TexWisGirl said...

loved that: this is reid! :)

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Lisa,
Hiking is a great outdoor exercise for your children, for you, for everybody. To breathe fresh air is amazing. It's really good to keep healthy lungs...
One day, I'll be back walking and hiking, if that is God's will.
You take wonderful pictures of landscapes with mountain views.
Blessings & Cheers,
Starry.

Anonymous said...

Splendid views.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

What a great family activity! Your boys are such sweeties. That's so funny about Cort pointing Reid out to everyone. :-)

It has been a while since I've been on a real hike in the hills. I love getting in places where I can't hear traffic/highway noises--just the sounds of nature.

Where is Read Mountain?

Sally said...

While it was cold, it surely was a beautiful day there on REID's hike. They are so cute. :)

Gail Dixon said...

Sounds like a fun family adventure. I laughed at Reid thinking it was his mountain. Cute trio of boys you have!

mail4rosey said...

That does like like a great way to spend some family time!

Jenn Jilks said...

Stunning is the word! And what fun to teach your boys about nature.
I love the interpretive signage.
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

Z@KickingKilos said...

Breathtaking view. It been since forever since I took the boys for a picnic. But my dad and mom used to take me a lot.
These pics got me back memories of my childhood!

Z@KickingKilos said...

Breathtaking view. It been since forever since I took the boys for a picnic. But my dad and mom used to take me a lot.
These pics got me back memories of my childhood!

Z@KickingKilos said...

wow, my boys would love this. (so would I lol)

An Apel a Day said...

I do like hiking. It's so fun!

The twins look like they are growing. Every time I pop in, and see pictures they are noticeably looking less like toddlers, and more like little boys.

Rob-bear said...

What a wonderful adventure! I can tell you had fun.

There are not many really good hiking places close to our place. I have to be content with hiking along streets, from store to store, or whatever.

Blessings and Bear hugs!

LONDONLULU said...

What a fantastic trail - I'm sure the boys had a great time and you've got lovely shots to remember:)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Beautiful view, what a great way to spend the day!

Lin said...

Do we hike? Yep. Hike to the car....then to the door...then back out to the car. :P

No. If it's a warm winter, then yes, we will go to the local preserve. But this year is just too snowy and cold. We would die, I think.

Beautiful place to hike! That's great that you got out to beat the cabin fever.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

What a wonderful place to hike! And it looked like a perfect day!
love
tweedles

Tiggeriffic said...

When I was a young girl and lived in Ohio my Dad dared that I couldn't sleep outside all winter.. I set up my tent..put lots of straw in the tent..every night I would grab my cat , my stocking cap and run out to the tent.. get in my sleeping bag and go to sleep..I did this all winter.. IT made a memory and I was always toasty warm..
I love to walk year around ~ it's so good for you and makes one feel better.
ta ta for now from Iowa:) You are Tiggeriffic~!

Annette said...

What a gorgeous view!! We love hiking; although, our little guy gets way too tired and whiney to go for very long. Maybe the secret is to find a preserve that's named after him... I love that your son Reid felt like it was his special place.

Lynn said...

such fun, I think the mountain's name should be re-spelt :-) and bravo to Cort! That last shot you could be standing along the ridge here of the Luberon the view is so similar and quite spectacular!

Tanya Breese said...

ha, reid and his mountain, so cute! we haven't hiked this winter...been so cold! but yes, normally we get out!

Unknown said...

Cort is to be commended! That looks like quite a hike, Lisa!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love a nice hike…of course, it's never that cold here.
Well…now I'm wondering if you can find a Cort & Pierce Mountain.