battle creek falls

Every morning we eat breakfast watching the sun rise over the mountains, wishing we had more time to explore some trails.  I finally left the laundry piled up at home and packed up the kids to make it happen.  Kirk had class, so I'd be going alone and wanted something the kids could handle.  Battle Creek Falls had lots of positive reviews that said things like "my young children really enjoyed it," "the falls are great," and "it's an easy hike to do with kids." Definitely fit what we were looking for.  

So we packed a lunch and drove to the trail head.  This was the view from the parking lot.  The trail is only 1.8 miles roundtrip with some steep sections. I say "steep", but then I'm used to hiking PA trails.  :)

Well-groomed trail.  This part was mostly flat.

First hints of Fall

Little mountain goat

I had let Dayton choose between wearing flip flops or tennis shoes (cause it was an "easy, family-friendly hike") and he chose flip flops.  That mistake became evident as the trail grew steeper, but he was a trooper. His favorite part was crossing the creek.  The water runs over the top of this bridge and we had to get our feet wet to cross.  The flip flops came in handy here. 

Battle Creek

The trail was obvious but the top half off was mostly loose rock. Flip flops were worthless on this section, but it encouraged Dayton to hold my hand while we hiked inches from the edge of the cliff.  That was a plus.

When the trail was at its steepest and narrowest and slipperiest, I noticed we'd made it to the falls (there's totally a metaphor for life in there somewhere).  So as we were standing about six inches from the edge of the cliff on the loose rocks, I told Dayton to hold really still while I took a picture.  The view was totally worth the climb, and it seemed to give Dayton a second wind because he begged to keep going. 

View of the valley from the falls

We stopped for lunch next to the creek and then found smaller waterfalls just a little ways up the path. 

Stopped here for lunch above the falls

It was a beautiful hike that I would do again.  It would be easier with Kirk's help and tennis shoes for Dayton.  He really did well negotiating the loose rocks and steep sections, and said multiple times how much he loved our "walk".  Check it out, people.

we have arrived

We are here! And have been for almost a month...oops.  Time flies when you're unpacking. :)  

unpacking Halloween costumes 

Since arriving in Utah, I had a fantastic birthday/girls' night out seeing Wicked for the first time.  We had one family missionary leave for Paraguay and another return home from Sweden.   

Tina's home from Sweden!

My new niece was blessed and we had a mini family reunion.

Family Reunion fun!

We visited the BYU Student Health Center--Emma wasn't feeling well.  That is, until they handed her a sucker.  Then all was right in the world. :) Suffice it to say, we've been busy.  But it's good to be here.  Somehow Kirk can stay up late (I'm talking really late) doing homework and then get out of bed in the morning for class.  He enjoys his professors and the students, and has already refined his list of companies he's most interested in working for.  

I'll sign off now with a promise to check in before another month rolls by.