hike #23 (EFC substitute teaching)

Mike is participating in a hunting class this weekend (3 days) plus next weekend (another 3 days) plus another long weekend in June. So I took PTO today in order to be a substitute teacher in EFC! Rose and I mapped our our schedule for the day, and generally stuck with it:

 

The part of the day that was relevant to this post was that we did a hike for our gym class! We took Doug the dog with us, and BOTH of our outdoor cats followed us for the whole 2-mile journey.

 

But the most fun parts of our day (in my opinion) were our two cooking classes. I'm really proud of these lesson plans. :)

Our first one was a cooking art class - we made some pizza dough (from scratch, of course) and baked all sorts of fun shapes.

Rose's artistry

My semi-lame attempts

Then, later in the afternoon, we had a baking science class! It was so much fun to test out what various cake ingredients do, and to see how changes affect the outcome.

no oil = no good!

I don't think I'm cut out to be a full-time teacher (I'm utterly exhausted tonight!), but I had a wonderful time with my awesome kid!

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

hike #18 - 2/27/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*

hike #19 - 3/6/22 - 1.1 mile, down the dry river bed and back up again - 8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

hike #20 - 3/12/22 - 1 mile (G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

hike #21 - 3/29/22 - 2.65 miles from our house down to the parking lot to pick up my car - 13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

hike #22 - 3/27/22 - 1.2 miles down the dry river bed and back up again - 30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms.

hike #23 - 4/1/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood.  (not exactly "urban" for us, but it is our neighborhood!)

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.*

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them.

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc.

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

 

hike #22

 It was 70 degrees today! Hallelujah!!  

I know winter is still not completely over, but I'm savoring every warm day that we get. And even better when it's sunny too!

It was a little too soon for wildflowers, but we did see some shoots of green grass starting to grow.

Both outdoor cats and the dog came along with us. Also, we realized this afternoon that it's Doug's birthday! Happy 5th birthday to my favorite brown dog!!

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

hike #18 - 2/27/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*

hike #19 - 3/6/22 - 1.1 mile, down the dry river bed and back up again - 8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

hike #20 - 3/12/22 - 1 mile (G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

hike #21 - 3/29/22 - 2.65 miles from our house down to the parking lot to pick up my car - 13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

hike #22 - 3/27/22 - 1.2 miles down the dry river bed and back up again - 30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms.

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.*

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them.

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc.

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

hike #21

The weather has been so mild recently! Most of the snow has melted, and even the worst of the mud has dried up. I know we'll probably get at least a couple more big snowstorms this spring, but for now I'm eager to not have to switch vehicles for awhile! So today Rose and I walked down the road to pick up my car at the parking lot down by the entrance to our development. It was about 2.65 miles - and a lovely day for a walk! Since we did it around lunchtime, we packed some food and ate once we got down to my car :) 

 

Doug came along too (of course) but somehow I didn't take a single photo of him!

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

hike #18 - 2/27/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*

hike #19 - 3/6/22 - 1.1 mile, down the dry river bed and back up again - 8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

hike #20 - 3/12/22 - 1 mile (G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

hike #21 - 3/29/22 - 2.65 miles from our house down to the parking lot to pick up my car - 13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.*

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them.

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

hike #20

We had company over for dinner last night, and after they left we realized it was still quite warm out (relatively) and that the stars were beautiful! So I convinced Rose to go for a quick walk with me. She insisted on using a flashlight for most of the time, but we did stop occasionally to look at the Big Dipper - which is basically the only star formation I can reliably find, other than Orion's belt!

 52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

hike #18 - 2/27/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*

hike #19 - 3/6/22 - 1.1 mile, down the dry river bed and back up again - 8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

hike #20 - 3/12/22 - 1 mile (G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them.

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

 

hike #19

We decided to look for heart-shaped objects on this hike.  We did not have a lot of luck, but we did have a lot of fun!

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

hike #18 - 2/27/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*

hike #19 - 3/6/22 - 1.1 mile, down the dry river bed and back up again - 8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them. 

22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

hike #18 (LNT)

 I convinced Rose to go for a hike with me for the 3rd day in a row! (Will wonders never cease?!)  I think it was just because she was avoiding cleaning her room, but I'll take it.  We decided this one would be the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. 

 Click here for our awesome LNT video!! (in case the video below doesn't work)

 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

hike #18 - 2/27/22 - 2 miles out-and-back from home - 2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them. 

22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

hikes #15-17

I'm a little behind in posting our hikes! Back on 2/12 or so, Rose and I did hike #15 down the ravine by our house and then walked back up the road. We counted it as hike #49, hiking with a pet, since we brought Doug along (as per usual). 

Yesterday (Friday) evening, Mike and Rose insisted I go for a walk the second I got home from work. It's FINALLY a little bit light out in the evening!  Not to mention our below-zero cold snap was finally over too!  So we did a quick one-mile loop (our 16th together) that Rose wanted to count as #32, counting Mike as her "new friend" on the hike 💓

(no photo from yesterday, sorry!)

Finally, today was our 17th hike together, doing our trusty 2-mile out-and-back on the road by our house. She was a little grumpy at the beginning, but I got her to smile by the end! We counted this as our official "out-and-back" for #39. 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.

hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*

hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park -  7. Hike in a state park.*

hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.

hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) -  11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.

hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.

hike #11 -  2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP -  4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.

hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*

hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.

hike #15 - 2/12/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.

hike #16 - 2/25/22 - 1 mile (what we call the "G-loop with an extra driveway loop) - 32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.

hike #17 - 2/26/22 - 2 miles - out-and-back from home - 39. Hike an out and back trail.*

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.* 

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them. 

22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.*

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.