Yesterday we went on our second hike with the girls to a trail called "teapot." Sorry about the title Grandma! It was the only witty thing I could come up with at the moment...and I knew you'd understand.We spent the first part of the day cooped up in the house, and it was a relief to get outdoors and enjoy some scenery (even if the weather wasn't particularly fantastic). Although we were under overcast skies and the occasional raindrop, the trail was gorgeous. We hiked up a wide, groomed trail that soon turned into a winding dirt path through the forest. Disappointingly, our camera battery died before we even started, so pictures posted on here are poached from the internet.
It took us about 40 minutes to get to the top, which was a bit quicker than we expected (we know, we know...aw shucks, guys...). There was a particularly steep part of the trail just before we made the plateau that got the heart pumping and the legs burning (truthfully, due to our neglected state of fitness, most of the trail had this effect - but this part in particular!) It then opened up to a beautiful view of Cultus Lake below, as well as a view of the valley on the other side.
And mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes.
After hanging out for a little bit at the top, we headed back down the mountain, with Kara walking on her own for a big part of it (she had been wanting to walk herself since about half way up!). Although not all good things come to an end, the girls patience soon did, and we spent the last half of the way down listening to Emily complain and Kara changing her mind by the second on whether she wanted to walk or ride. It seems as though they, like us, will require some conditioning!
We packed up and headed back in to town, rewarding ourselves by picking up some subs and relaxing at a nearby park. We met a few locals that gave us tips about where to hit up next! That is, once the blisters on Sarah's heel....heal.
After spending a bit of time here, it's easy to see why David uses so much mountain imagery in the Psalms. For many people, myself included, the beauty of nature reveals the majesty of God. Obviously, this is just as true in Ontario as it is in BC, but for me the mountains add another dimension to it. They feel so close but yet so far...they really make you feel kinda small. (I know what you're thinking - did he really just say that? 9 years of university, and he's just learned that mountains are big, and he is small? Shocking.) Anyway, in my mind they give a hint of a more complete cosmic perspective - mountains are big, but our God is so very, very much bigger.
For our next hike, we'll make sure our camera is charged up, so we can share some more pictures. And we'll bring bug spray. Adios for now!
