Our Spring (Vermont & The Adirondacks)
The Best kids’ second full day in the Adirondacks was supposed to be filled with adventure, but instead, it was filled with rain. Everything was wet. The grass, the deck, the Adirondack chairs, and yes, the fire pit. In the late afternoon, they tried to beat back the rain by making a fire anyways, but they didn’t win. The rain won. And they went back inside.
On a positive note, the mountain rain felt fresh. It smelled good too. Actually, it was quite calming after a busy spring season to sit inside and hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof. The kids’ mom embraced the rain. She always finds joy in peaceful things. On the front lawn of the property, there was a flowering tree that looked especially beautiful in the light of a sun shower, so she went outside to take pictures.
The next day, they were determined not to let the weather stop them from exploring, so they set off to visit Highfalls Gorge – a small river that pours down the mountain, and passes through a gully, which creates rapids and a waterfall. It was exciting to hear the loud roar of rushing water! After all, there was plenty of it after yesterday’s rainfall. The gorge had pathways, bridges and overlooks to improve your view. The guides had even compiled a scavenger hunt to help you spot natural features along the way. When the kids checked all the boxes on their scavenger list, they were given a free toy from the Visitor Center. They had so many fun options to choose from! Frederick found it hard to decide, but in the end chose a toy snake.
The family headed back to the cabin for lunch, and so that Hugo can take a nap. Luckily, the day of adventure wasn’t over. After his nap, Hugo’s dad put on his scary voice and asked, “Are you ready for Whiteface Mountain?”
Hugo’s eyes got wide. He looked at his dad and replied, “My ready!”
The mountain (which was visible from the cabin), was only 10 minutes away, but the drive from the base to the summit took another 25 minutes. It didn’t matter though – because the drive was stunning! They looped back-and-forth around hairpin curves and over cliff edges. They were ascending so high that their ears began to pop.
When they arrived at the summit parking lot, they zipped up their windbreakers and embarked on the foot path that would take them the rest of the way. It was much cooler on the mountaintop than it was in the valley. As they were walking, Frederick noticed a trickle of water dripping off the rockface beside him.
“Look, guys! a mountain spring! Can I drink some?”
His mom and dad look at each other. “Go for it, bud.”
Frederick pressed his body up against the rock, crouched underneath the drip, opened his mouth, and stuck out
his tongue.
“This is the best water I’ve ever tried!”
Frederick walked away with a big grin on his face – he was so proud of himself for discovering this natural source of refreshment.
The kids continued climbing, and got as high as they could, but had to stop at the second highest overlook because the path became too rugged for Hugo to climb in such windy conditions. They hung out at this perch for five or ten minutes, reveling in their accomplishment, and yet slightly disappointed they couldn’t manage the last stretch.
Edith propped herself up on the rock ledge and peered out over the horizon. The layers of white clouds on the blue sky, and the layers of green trees over the brown earth seemed to go on for miles. The colors lightened and faded into the fog as the landscape receded into the distance.
“It’s really gorgeous!” Edith observed.
The Best kids live in the Midwest, so they’re not used to observing so much of the world from such a height. When you’re so high up, you feel like you have perspective. Not just on the area around you, but perspective on life as well. That day, the Best family reflected on the busy season they had left behind, and became more excited about the fresh, spring season ahead of them.