July 2: Hike to Little Hump

When we arrive at Yellow Mountain, I always want to get to the Bald as soon as possible. So we planned a hike for our first full day.
After an indulgent mountain breakfast (piles of bacon, my dad's awesome French toast with eggy bites, my mom's summer fruit salad and perfect biscuits), the boys played while we got our things together.


My mom has a big book of birds that describes them in detail and includes a recording of each bird's call. There are some pretty crazy bird noises in there, and Isaac found one that he thought was hilarious. In these pictures, he's pushing the button over and over. I don't remember what the bird was, but it kind of sounded like a sick frog to me.


Isaac ran to explore the yard while we put our pack in the car.


And then we were on our way. Jonah was doing much better riding in the pack than sometimes.


Adam and Jonah charged ahead, while we stayed with Isaac, who did a great job on the big hill.




And then...the greatest reward.


We gave the boys some crackers and water and let them soak up the sun and wind and exhilaration of the mountaintop.


Cork was in dog heaven.




Then we hiked over the top of the Bald and down into the woods.






Isaac was proud to be the leader of the hike - so proud that our not-quite-four-year-old not just walked, but RAN, almost the whole 3 or so miles. I had to remind him to slow down and wait for us.


He did get a ride through the grasses that were almost as tall as he was.

And there is our first view of Little Hump. I used to hike here and farther on every Yellow Mountain visit, but between illness and babies, I hadn't been here in more than five years. Unbelievable. I was overjoyed to see it again.


Looking down, you can see the Appalachian Trail coming up from the left side and meeting up with ours.





My parents stayed back with Isaac. You can see him trudging along right in front of my dad.


There is a perfect group of boulders near the top of Little Hump, and we always stop there to drink water and soak in the gorgeous mountain views.


Isaac is looking tired by this point.


But he woke up a little and climbed the biggest rock, the one that we've all been inspired to climb as kids. There's a picture of me and one of Taylor, later, sitting on top of this rock - the perfect lookout.


Isaac was one solid hiker today.


But even good hikers need to be carried sometimes...On the way back, Isaac walked some and my dad carried him some. By the time we crested the back side of the Bald, my dad and Adam were each carrying a sleeping or almost-sleeping boy.


A little lunch, a short nap, and they were ready to go again. My dad had brought a baby pool with a spray feature, and the boys loved it.






Tired boy at the end of a fun day.


Rhododendrons in the front yard.