Toddlerado: Hug a Tree!

View from Arthur's Rock Trail

In a small snow-free window this past week, a family took advantage of the warmer weather and went hiking. It was a great kick-off to the season, just a mile in and a mile out hike to Arthur’s Rock in Lory State Park.

The park just re-opened after last month’s Galena Wildfire and the evidence was everywhere, and striking against the white snow. Burned trees, black soil, closed trails, you could even still smell it. And I am once again amazed what the fire fighters were able to do, saving the trail-head, the homes nearby, as the fire consumed everything around them.
Seeing what the fire left behind took us back a month when we were headed home after a fun, albeit windy, afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park. As we drove home we could see the telltale plume of smoke and shook our heads in disbelief that it could be happening so soon. That day we realized we live in a part of the country where ‘fire season’ is a year round event.
A late stretch of spring snowstorms gives us hope, as we made our way up the trail through some snowy patches and sections completely untouched by fire. Layla wasn’t sure we’d make it to the top, “it’s too huge!” she yelled from my back. But we did, at least to the scenic overlook. (No bouldering with a baby on my back, thank you.)
A walk through the woods is always a welcomed reset button for our little family and a chance to get us out of the daily routine. It gives us a chance to be appreciative of where we live and how much we love being together and oh so close to our mountainous playground that has become even more precious. So hike your favorite trails, hug your favorite trees, you never know when a fire might change the landscape for years to come. And here’s hoping for a long summer of hikes and camping trips free of devastating wildfires and full of family fun.