The Grove of the Patriarchs

 After we got our tents set up and camp set in an orderly manner, we headed off for the Grove of the Patriarchs.  It's more of a nature walk than a hike.  Right off we found a path to wander down to the banks of the Ohanapecosh River.  This river is goooorgeous!  It's direct snow melt/glacier run off--so it's freezing.  But unlike most glacial melt rivers which are cloudy (according to the signs) the Ohanapecosh is pure, clear and turquoise.  The color is just breath taking.

 The kids climbed the fallen timber and threw rocks to their hearts' delight. 

 Daddy vs. Ezra aim contest--throwing rocks, that is.

 There was some pretty cool looking moss, lichen and the like.  This looked like sea weed to me.

 Picture posed at Tadd's request.

 We noticed --after the kids all started running across the suspension bridge-- a sign that said "one person at a time on the bridge"--oops!

 Too bad for the man who got caught in the middle of our group.  He had one kid standing at one end and one at the other and both were jumping as hard as they could to see how much they could shake the bridge. 

 The view when I looked up. 

 Close up of a tree.

 I must say that we didn't fit in on this particular walk very well.  We had too many kids, for one thing.  And they all insisted on touching nature--the audacity!

 Tadd tried his best to fit in with the rest of the walkers.

 And here ya go Megan--proof that I am indeed, pregnant.  Running out of room and still two months to go--yikes!

 Kids just don't need any toys when they have trees, dirt and cousins to play with. 

You just have to make sure no one is looking when you touch the trees : )