A few weeks ago I was driving to give a nutrition presentation on a First Nations Reserve and came across two things I added to my mental to do list. One was what looked like a lovely conservation area and the other was a lookout tower. Both are only about 20 minutes from our home, right under our noses and we had no idea.
With the weather forecast calling for rain all weekend, we decided we better get out for a hike on Thursday before the rain started. So we packed up a few snacks, water bottles, sunscreen and bug spray and off we went to explore these two new spots.
The first stop was the conservation area. Upon arrival we discovered it is actually an abandoned conservation area, which means it is no longer looked after. The trails have been blocked off, I think more from off road vehicles than people on foot. We decided to check it out anyway and see what kind of adventure it held.
 |
| First wild strawberry of the season |
 |
| Guess who picked it? |
 |
| And enjoyed it :) |
 |
| His hands are full of stones |
 |
| Gorgeous |
 |
| We had to stop and pick more on the way back...delish! |
 |
| More stones |
 |
| We can't leave the sticks behind |
It was a lovely trail, and I can only imagine how lovely it once was.
After exploring this spot we headed over to the lookout tower, and what a view it was.
 |
| The lookout tower |
 |
| A great morning of family fun and adventure |
We enjoyed some time here just taking it all in, had a little bite to eat and then headed home, happy to have explored two new spots close to home.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linking up with Happy Whimsical Hearts for Happy Family Times
Linking up with Elisa at Elisa Loves for Nature Walk
Linking up with Coombe Mill for
Country Kids
It's amazing how many local spots we have that we have yet to explore! That view from the lookout tower looks beautiful! I'm loving Reece's suglasses, too. :) Thanks for sharing your day with us!
ReplyDeleteI know, we were surprised to find them both. I had no idea he had put his sunglasses on that way until I took the pic...funny little man I have :)
DeleteHow gorgeous!!! I do love the way Reece wears his sun glasses!
ReplyDeleteIt was Melissa. He is a funny guy my little man :)
Deletewhat lovely views and a fun adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks, it was!
DeleteKim-- What a gorgeous {into nature} family time!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, we really had a great time.
DeleteBeautiful! Looks like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber, it was.
DeleteBoth places look wonderful - I love discovering a hidden gem or gems in this case. Love those upside down sunglasses - what a fashion statement.
ReplyDeleteThey were great discoveries. We are thinking it would be nice to head to the lookout tower one evening for dinner. They have a picnic table up there so it would be perfect on a beautiful summer evening.
DeleteThanks on the glasses, I had no idea until I too the pic that he had them on that way :)
Looks like a wonderful day. What is it with little ones and stones and sticks? Our car and house are filled with them!!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea Jennifer, everywhere I turn there are stones and sticks...it never ends.
DeleteHmm, wonder what the story is behind this place. Did you find any information? Looks like a sweet spot to spend some family time and goodness, those strawberries look yummy. We saw lots of plants while camping last weekend but it will be a while before those high alpine ones bear fruit. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteThere was nothing. An old rock that used to have a plaque on it sits at the opening of the trail, but nothing else. I will have to do a little research to see what I can find. The strawberries were delish. Hoping to hit another trail tomorrow to search for more.
DeleteWhat a great hiking adventure. And how marvellous to find wild strawberries to eat along the way :-) I love how kids pick up all the sticks and rocks they can!! Thanks for sharing at Happy Family Times x
ReplyDeleteIt was. And yes so wonderful to find a sweet treat along the way.
DeleteWhat a great time and strawberries too. Is that an Ergo?
ReplyDeleteNo, it's a Boba. Similar to the Ergo, but when I was researching I was drawn to the Boba. We love it!!!!
DeleteLooks like a lovely walk Kim. Glad you all enjoyed it. xxoo
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful adventure! Such beauty!! Thank you for sharing it at Happy Family Times!!
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me the amount of beauty that is around us, love it!
Deletewhat a perfect family day. I love the fun you can have in the country with out spending a penny. Please join me on my Country Kids linky too, this is a perfect post.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely was. And yes, so many things you can do without spending a penny...I actually seek out those things, our tight budget requires it :)
DeleteI will link up, thanks for letting me know about it.
Thank you for joining me, I have a new linky each Saturday open for the week so please join me again. Any outdoor adventures with the children.
DeleteI will be joining you again for sure. Reece and I had a great time on Thursday hiking on one of our favourite trail. I will be sharing it on the blog on Monday and will link up them.
DeleteHave a lovely weekend.
what a beautiful place to explore! glad to see you beat the rain to it. i love the hands full of rocks- i ended up making tanner a "collector's pouch" to put all his rocks and sticks in- a pouch on a belt. frees up his hands, AND mine, since i usually end up carrying a few that he just can't part with but just can't seem to carry the whole hike :) ps- thank you for spreading the word about my {into nature} posts!!
ReplyDeleteI have a little messenger bag on my list of things to make for Reece, hoping to get to it soon. It will carry our magnifying glass, bug catcher, field guides and all the rocks and sticks he brings home.
DeleteAnd my pleasure, happy to spread the word about the {into nature} link up :)
I would love to know how many rock he collected? S has this amazing ability to fill my pockets with rocks. So I decided to make her a special bag that we take with us on all outings. What a fun place to find!
ReplyDeleteOh about 20 :) And yes many of them ended up in the backpack.
DeleteIt looks like such a pretty place, Kim. I love the rugged, overgrown look - it's so natural. We're used to that, here, because it's almost impossible to tame the bush:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicky, it is, and I know we will be going back for another visit again soon.
Deleteboth are beautiful places. someone took the time and effort to build that look out tower so others could appreciate the beauty of God's nature! your child is quite a little adventurer ! love the upside down sunglasses ;) How lovely that you and dad could both go on this adventure.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, and we are one happy family that they did build it. He is a little adventurer, I love that about him.
DeleteBeautiful! That view is breath-taking. I love all of it. Thanks for joining up! I so enjoyed seeing your photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elisa, and thank you for hosting the link up.
Delete