While we haven’t managed to get out in the great outdoors every single week this winter, we’ve done a great job of getting out there more and really, that’s what’s most important.
This last Friday we headed out with Sarah, her husband and a couple of her kiddos. Don’t let the photos fool you, it was only about 46 degrees out.
I love taking my kids out hiking. There are so many lessons to be learned…
I love that they are learning to go out and enjoy nature, even when it is damp and cold.
{For those of you who don’t live here in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll notice that’s moss on our trees. Winter is usually mild and always wet.}
While out hiking it is so much easier to enjoy the beauty of creation. The trees, the lakes, the banana slugs.
There are trees to be conquered and land to explore.
Hiking with kids is simple and takes no special equipment. A decent pair of shoes and appropriate layers are all that’s needed.
I have been so proud of how my younger kids have learned to hike further and further; often four to six miles.
Their legs get sore, but they learn to keep going. Spirits are always high after an afternoon of hiking.
Friday’s hike was extra special, because we’ve been testing out Kodak’s Action Cam SP1. 
The Action Cam SP1 PIXPRO is an amazingly compact, waterproof, shock-proof video camera. 
Enoch volunteered to jump in the lake (remember, it was 46 degrees out!) with the camera strapped to his head. It seemed like a good idea at the time…
Unfortunately, the impact of hitting the water caused the camera to fly off his head…and sink to the bottom of the lake.
Like a trooper, Judah volunteered to go in and look for it. Armed with a pair of goggles, Judah was quickly able to discover that the camera must have gone off the drop-off and sunk into the depths of the lake.
Never to be recovered.
The people at Kodak were amazing and shipped us a new camera! In a few days, we will be posting a video made with our Action Cam SP1 and you’ll get to vote on your favorite (eight bloggers are participating). If we win, we get to give an Action Cam SP1 to one of our readers! How’s that for an awesome deal?!
Don’t worry, the kids have promised to be a little less ambitious with their filmmaking this time around.
_____
{We were given the Kodak Action Cam SP1 to review. I have received no other compensation for this post}
Oh, do the jump again! ….But use duct tape this time 😉
Oh goodness! Is it bad that my first impulse was to laugh heartily?? 🙂
Oh my gosh – my folks have lake access near there and it is crazy deep – like a fjord. I worry that Tate’s CI processor or head piece will meet that fate (crazy expensive). Got him a “Buff” headband thing that seems to be keeping it on his head.
But a swim in 46 degree weather… and he went in a SECOND time! Enoch deserves a medal!
Julie
Since I live in the pacific northwest, not only did I wonder about the outside temp but also the water temp! Way to go Enoch and Judah, for jumping into the cold water!!!
Oh my word, Kodak should get an award for shipping you a new one! Bet they are still talking about that phone call in customer service! heehee
This post makes me want to take the kids out hiking. We hiked a lot as a family growing up, and I disliked it greatly, but we did hard hikes back then. I think if we did some simple hikes as a family now, it would be fun and make some great memories. And you give me hope, Renee, saying how “easy” it is. 🙂
Just think small to start with Judy. Just getting the kids out and on the trail is a great beginning! Don’t worry about distance or goals, just get out there. That’s the hardest part. Apollo is often crying by the end and begging to be held (instead of sitting in his stroller), but that’s okay. Oh, and we’d be happy to meet up if you want to go together sometime!