Hiking With Kids- Rejuvenate Your Soul, Inspire Your Mind




There's just something about nature and being way out on a trail with the twittering birds and seasonal flora that keeps me coming back again and again.

Perhaps it's because I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, in the shadows of mighty Mt. St. Helens and among the misty fir forests.

I feel more alive in the woods than anyplace else. I love the workout. When hiking, I use muscles I wouldn't ordinarily use. Blood pressure decreases. My heart grows stronger.

Hiking rejuvenates my soul.

Any season is great for hiking and has a lot to offer, but I am partial to spring.  Here in Ne Florida, the forests are thick with vibrant greenery and birds abound.  The eighty-degree weather begs for outdoor activity and feels like warm silk on one's skin. How could we possibly stay indoors? The kids and I hit the trails at the University of North Florida today and marveled at the tiny pink and white blossoms on the wild blueberries. We discussed the animals that might rely on these berries for food. This led to a discussion about the food chain and local ecology.  We subjected a sunning lizard to a photo shoot and nature-journal-drawing-session, discussing warm-vs-cold blooded creatures and the benefits and challenges of both while also practicing research skills with our Audobon Guide. The kids love their nature journals. It's the perfect combination of art and science.

Stopping for a quiet moment at an overlook, we observed a muscly water moccasin gliding across the water's surface through the cypress swamp, venturing away from our noise and seemingly little disturbed by our intrusion. We discussed locomotion and the various ways animals move. How does a snake's movement compare to our own? To a deer's? To a turtle's?  We talked about venomous vs. non-venomous snakes and characteristics of both.  How do we practice snake-safety? The kids were filled with awe at this dangerous snake, yet we were in no danger. Far away and leaving it alone, we were free to observe nature in its natural habitat.

We observed an American Alligator sinking into the murky muck in the lake. We listened to a woodpecker searching for tasty bugs and cicadas buzzing among the towering Live Oak. We observed and compared bark patterns and leaf styles and discussed edible plant life that could be utilized in a survival situation.

We picked up litter, discussing the importance to leave no trace in the woods. We practiced-- through many reminders-- staying on the trail. Nature must be respected and there's no need to trample habitats or harm living things, even spiders. No matter how creepy.

As we finished our nearly-four-mile morning exercise, one of my children commented how lucky they were not to have to do school this morning. I smiled. Nature is the ultimate classroom. Its science lessons are far more powerful than any textbook. I hope nature continues to inspire their creativity far into their adult lives. May it never feel like learning. May we never stop listening to Mother Nature's lessons.

Today for school, we exercised. We bonded with nature and as a family too. We discussed anatomy, biology, ecology, and geology. We considered environmental health and how we contribute to it-- or detract.  We were artists. We were scientists. We worked on becoming more responsible citizens.

The kids were tired and ready to read quietly at home. Our book work was not a struggle.

As for me, nature rejuvenates my soul. Spending time hiking makes me a better mother. I feel fresh and renewed.

A good hike in the woods requires no equipment apart from a water bottle and decent shoes. Yet it is better than therapy, to me at least.

There's always something new to learn.

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