As a youngster growing up in Jamaica I used to walk to and from Primary school. Walking long distance came naturally to my family. We would often run walk while dad, just strolled being a fast walker all his life. Back then that three-mile trek to school was like nothing, now walking or jogging three miles gets more arduous with age. I also blame my laziness to having an automobile as I drive the kids 3 blocks to their school or 5 blocks to the corner store. We often walk to the park though. Is it just me or do you find yourself driving everywhere even venues close in range?
I got up hot headed with the desire to walk until I ached and that’s what we decided to do. Not like the Avon walk for breast cancer I did in 2004 & 2014. I was not prepared to walk 15 or 30 miles with the little ones. But I sure wanted to walk, hear the birds, wrap up in nature and have fun. So we filled our knapsack with water, snacks, sandwiches and headed to Falls.
I believe it’s an 11-mile trek on this beautiful trail. However, for the kids is seemed like an eternity. Looking back I wish I had prepared them better. And off we go…..
Off to a good start or not, as dad had to rescue her heavy luggage. The scenery, on the other hand, was very beautiful with tall swaying trees that flanked the road. I was looking for some wildlife to jump from the woods but unfortunately, my kids did not get a scare ….next time.
On the trek, there are information signs along the trail.
And when the walk is too much….dad becomes the Hero again.
Des Plaines River runs through this beautiful trail. Not sure what this building was but a piece of the structure remains.
It was worth the walk, pain, sighs and chafing (for anyone with knock knees like myself that knows what Chub Rub is).
After all that walk the children were very happy to see the waterfall.
Even dad jumped in.
It was a beautiful day for the outdoors.
Walking back to the car… another untold story.
That evening we all had a shower and slept in. There are some adventures that are worth all the aches and pain. I always enjoy spending quality time with my family.
I saw the most beautiful blue dragonflies on this trail. The picture doesn’t show the real color or beauty. There were many of them just flying around water.
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