Silver Lake- A Day’s Adventure

So, my husband took a few days off this past weekend. He works a lot, so it stood out. While the girls and I are fine mostly staying near home he doesn’t sit still well. I prefer to make my outings “count.” I go further, but less often. This weekend he had an idea that ended up being a really good compromise. We drove a few hours south to go on a hike we had meant to do before Eldest was even born. (That’s almost 20 years ago!)

Back to the past for me

Silver Lake has always held a special place for me. It was my mom’s favorite hike, and the one she had just done when my dad picked her up hitchhiking. Speaking of people who didn’t like to sit still… Anyway, that’s another story. I made the hike once on a middle school trip and loved it for the hike as well as the link it holds to the past for me. I was even lucky enough at that time to have classmates who understood the importance of the moment. (I lost my mom when I was almost five.) Losing your mom makes you realize some things early, like embracing the moment, and appreciating time spent with people you care about. Even if you tend toward being an introvert.

Breaking Free For Some Family Time

Anyway, this weekend we broke out of our little county, and took a day trip south.

Of course we got a late start and we were missing Eldest, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. It wasn’t even terribly hot. It was a shorter hike than I’ve usually done too. Which is good since I’m not in the shape I once was.

A few hints- I’m out of shape but well practiced

The real secret to choosing a hike is as long as you stick to nothing beyond “moderate,” are reasonably healthy, and not going for speed, you should be ok. Though at 5.5 miles round trip this one was on the low end to be considered moderate.

For anyone who doesn’t know, the difficulty ratings have to do with the elevation over distance (how steep in general), and the length of the hike.

Go prepared, but don’t overload yourself with stuff. I discovered on this one that I may have to switch to a full pack even for day hikes if I intend to bring my camera in the future, and who would go on a decent hike and not take photos at the top?! Two separate bags, despite being small were kind of a pain.

Aim for just above your comfort level

Despite the “difficulty” it was definitely worth it. Of course going with kids always adds that extra pressure for speed, and like I said if you’re already challenging yourself stick to taking older kids, and/or easier hikes. I do love a good one though. Generally speaking if it was worth putting a trail in, there’s a spot that’s worth visiting at the end.

This trail was very well groomed too. With the exception of the first few feet I could have seen my quadriplegic uncle trying it out in his electric wheelchair. It would not have been his best idea, but he had done similar, shorter ones. It was probably just a tiny bit too steep to do it realistically in a couple spots for him with a capable companion.

Appreciate the climb

Seriously this was a beautiful hike, mostly through deep woods, leading to a delightful little lake. Youngest and I brought stuff to swim in too, which we took advantage of at the top. It wasn’t too deep, but got plenty deep enough in the spot we went.

There were several other hikers too, but it still felt like you were deep in the forest. I mean, I was, but with the level of traffic I might have expected to lose that feeling. The bear scat definitely helped with the wilderness atmosphere!

Oh, and despite the fact that I have found bear scat on a few hikes, I have yet to see a bear while hiking. Though in the northeast all I’d see is a black bear anyway. I personally have run across enough other wildlife, and spent enough time in the woods to know that if I don’t over react I’d likely be just fine. We’d just each distance ourselves and go on our merry way, each with a story to tell. I have had a bear in my campsite more than once though. Let’s just say I do NOT leave food out while camping! (But that’s another story) In general if you do see a bear while hiking simply walk away from it, but don’t turn your back on a bear that looks threatened by your presence.

 I’d love to camp up there someday, but I don’t know how I feel about carrying a tent with me. I guess that would definitely have to be a trip to start earlier!

Go for a hike, get out of your every day

If you feel stuck, go for an adventure. Hiking makes for an excellent one. It gives time to think while also making you be in the moment. A good one also generally challenges you, while also providing the reward for the hard work you’ve put in. Of course it provides motivation for exercise, and time spent outside too.