Clifty Falls

The "clifty" part should have warned us that the hiking was uphill - both ways. Or so it seemed that we were mostly always hiking up huge hills. Interesting, isn't it, that you don't much notice the change in elevation going down. Going back up is a different story. And, who would guess that flat Indiana has enormous drops and cliffs?

We consulted maps and looked for landmarks, and somehow, still ended up hiking a trail we had decided was too long and rugged - over 4.5 miles. William would be revitalized when we came to a creek or rocks to climb up. In between, he kept up the chant that his legs just wouldn't work much longer. At over fifty pounds, he had the choice of walking or remaining behind for bear food. He decided to keep going.

The day ended at a large creek where the kids all played in the water and threw rocks, and then climbed the observation tower to see the Ohio River.

Notes

Anna has an alternative suggestion to home-based learner: self-taught genius.

Hoppily Ever After

Last Saturday, we attended a cousin's wedding. How refreshing it was! After a church wedding, guests changed clothes and attended a picnic reception. Each family was given a basket (which we got to take home!) and could chose items from a table for their picnic. Forewarned, we'd brought a blanket. Guests sprawled on the church grounds and talked. If not for the cars in the parking lot, it could have been one hundred years ago.

After our picnic, children played tug-of-war, three-legged races, and as you see above, sack races. (Lauren is second from the right.) They also had a dunking booth in place of a dollar dance, and the couple earned quite a bit for their honeymoon by joining the pastor, a groomsman and the bride's father for their turn being dunked in very cold water. There was even a little time for relaxation:

Perhaps, if we had a little less of the "Princess Bride" mentality in this country, and a little more family oriented weddings, we could begin to get our priorities in order.