Wolf Rock

Sunday was a family day. The weather was warm and cloudy. Mark and I decided that it would be a nice day to go on a hike as a family, especially since we have been overwhelmed with work and school demands.

Comfortable and safe, we rolled out in our Expedition at about 11:00. As we drove up Rt. 15 the decible level decreased. "Look at the deer!", Mark joked, pointing at a field of cows. "Those are cows, Dad!" Thomas informed us, not getting the corny joke.

As we plodded up the trail (it was almost all uphill for about one mile), there was some complaining. More importantly, though, we heard occasional bits of interest and insight from the kids. Mark and I had the chance to teach our kids why it's important to stay on the trail (to prevent erosion and protect the natural environment), how to walk safely, not run on a trail, and how to wait at a trail intersection for the rest of the group. Since we both have a love of the natural world, it was very satisfying to see our kids practice respect and appreciation for nature.

Wolf Rock doesn't really look like a wolf to me. It looks more like a turle's head with an open beak. The hiking itself was actually pretty boring. If the kids hadn't been complaining and asking the occasional question, it would have been meditative. In contrast, walking along the rock was HARROWING with Sam and Thomas! They had no awareness or fear of the deep crevases that exist between some of the rock formations. Alone, or even with the older kids, I would have been quite at ease. But with my two daredevils, I was a couple of jolts away from a panic attack! Thank God for little arms and grown up hands!!

Eventually Mark took over and everyone was happy! Thomas even learned how to find a foot hold when climbing down a rock!

Following our visit with the Wolf/Turtle, we enjoyed a satisfying late lunch at the Country Kitchen, a wonderful little diner in Thurmont. They served us good food at reasonable prices. And we bought home baked deserts for the ride home!


Thank You for my Family and for Hiking!!

Pictures of the Hike http://picasaweb.google.com/treefrogjewelry/WolfRock#