Rain, rain, go away

We had planned to hike through a section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) into Ohiopyle this weekend.  The game plan was 6 miles of hiking, stay at an overnight shelter and another 6+ miles of hiking into the quaint town of Ohiopyle.  Sadly, my gear is still sitting in the corner, all packed up with no where to go.  Hiking with the three very young ones sometimes means a change of plans if the weather does not cooperate.  The last thing I want is to drag cranky, wet kids through almost 13 miles of trail.  It might not seem like a lot of trail for some, but for those little legs, you may as well say it's across the country!

So, no real adventures means we dream up our next adventure.  With the long Memorial Day weekend approaching, where will the outdoors take you?

My mega-brave 4 year old at Ohiopyle natural waterslides area Aug, 2015.  This girl is wild with heart.

Back Story

I have been an outdoor enthusiast long before I heard those words.  I grew up with a love of the outdoors and adventures.  From camping to ATV’s, to night time walks and fires in the woods, I have always felt grounded in the big, beautiful outside.  Fast forward to raising three children under nine, I am inspired to give them the opportunity to find the beauty in a wild flower, the majesty of a mountain top, the endless fun of a stream, and a lust for adventure.  

I often hear comments about how crazy it is to take these young ones on such adventures, but with the right equipment and preparation, and mindset, anyone can.  We indulge in weekend camping trips, overnight backpacking, kayaking, day hikes, ATV’s, river rafting, fishing, skiing, and hunting.  We hope that our posts can help to get past some of the negative thoughts that revolve around, say, taking babies on a camping trip, and empower our readers to get out and love this beautiful earth.  

Finally, our blog name.  It comes from my favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art.”  Every time I hear this hymn, I know this is why I was created, what my purpose is.  I was given this earth to make my soul sing.  I’ll leave you with my favorite verse.  

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.