The littles keep asking about the X-Men and when we are
going to see then. It seems to not register that we will not be meeting them on
this trip. It probably doesn’t help that we are going by many stomping grounds
we shared last summer. At the ranger station we staked out a few different
trails and we were ready to get a jump on hiking.
Now, it had been raining all morning. Not a downpour
drenching rain, but a slow, steady, and drizzly rain. It was the kind of rain
you could hike in and Hawkeye and Black Widow were eager to start. We talked to
the ranger and she said this would be a good hike for the afternoon. We drove
all the way up to Bear Lake and did not have to mess with the shuttle bus
(probably because of the rain). Like all good luck, the rain slowly became
heavier as we drove up the mountain and by the time we were ready to start the
hike – it was a good steady rain. Hawkeye insisted we hike onward and the rain
would surely stop in fifteen minutes or so. We hiked up to the first lake
despite numerous screaming, wanting to turn around, and whining. Hawkeye then
informed all the littles he would reward them with food if they hiked to the
next lake. The majority agreed and we continued on. Well, luck actually joined
our favor and it stopped raining halfway to the second lake. We enjoyed the
hike and most of our clothes actually dried out. We stopped and had a good
snack consisting of left over Chipotle from the night before.
It was here we had to make a decision – hike to Emerald Lake
(.7 miles) or hike to a new lake one mile away (Lake Hiayawa). Last summer we
had hiked to Emerald Lake with the X-Men. We chose the new lake even thought it
would be further and more rugged.
Everything went great for the first .6 miles. Although we
had some complaining of being cold, the hike was fun with some rock to maneuver
around and it was a steady altitude increase. We just crossed a fun log bridge
and small stream where one could step from rock to rock and the sky opened.
Downpour! We were stuck over 2 miles from the car and drenched. We waited for
about 15 minutes, trying miserably to find a dryer spot under the trees.
Eventually the rain became slower and Hawkeye and Black Widow decided it was
decision time. We could hike the final .4 miles of flat, level terrain and
reach the new lake or we could turn around now. All the children were sopped
and their lips were turning blue. Tears were flowing on some. It was like being
on Everest and seeing the top, but knowing you would not make. The decision was
made to turn around.
Everyone was fairly quiet on the way back. We stopped once
for a small snack, but no one was thirsty. The last .3 miles was the worst.
Both Thor and Hulk were officially done with the hike and either sat in the
trail not moving and screamed some sort of banshee cry wanting to be held.
Hawkeye ended up carrying Thor while Black Widow carried both A7 and Hulk.
We finally emerged from the trial but victorious and
defeated at the same time– but totally drenched!
We drove back to the Corp of Discovery and changed clothes.
We threw all wet clothes into the laundry bag and headed into town. The mission
was to find a laundry mat and dry the clothes. We did and 40 minutes or so
later we had dry clothes, which included all hoodies, jackets, and sweatshirts.
We stopped at Grubsteak for dinner. It was strange because
Black Widow went to go check on a wait and was told the restaurant was closed
at 8:45. We drove the block and then decided to see if we could at least get
take out. Well, turns out the restaurant was not closed and we ended up eating
there. The food tasted GREAT! It was hot and fresh and everyone enjoyed his or
her meal. Hulk ordered macaroni and
cheese and was the slowest eater. He would share a bite with Black Widow but
told everyone else no.
We came back to the campsite and readied ourselves for bed.
Hoping for better weather tomorrow.
