doubting Punxsutawney Phil’s skills…

Published by Jana on February 12, 2009

I know the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter, but the last 6 days have been absolutely gorgeous.  A most welcome break from the the freezing temps of the last few months.  Even though I know the weather gods are going to plunge us back into a deep freeze, I’ve enjoyed every moment I possibly could of the warmth.  Probably why I have a very long to do list of all the things I’ve neglected over the past week…

Yesterday, my friend, Kim, along with her two boys, showed us a gorgeous trail in 1,800 acre Wissahickon Valley Park called Forbidden Drive.  We found plentiful street parking by taking a left off of Henry Avenue onto Monestary Drive and then making an immediate right.  While this wasn’t a the trail head, it provided us a short walk under the Henry Avenue bridge onto the trail.

We had intended to have a decent hike along the stoller-friendly Forbidden Drive to an area with easy access to the river.  But once the boys saw the river, there was no turning back.

We ended up climbing over the fence (yes, it was allowed) and straight down to the river where the boys could throw rocks into the water.

One thing Kim and I both agreed on was that when taking kids for a hike, the purpose has to be for them to enjoy nature and exploring, not for you to get in your exercise for the day.

Kim is also up for being part of the children and nature club that I want to start here in Philly - I’m thinking of calling it “PSX Philly” - any thoughts? I think Kai and Taz had a lot more fun having other kids to play and explore with.

After Kim’s eldest had stepped in the icy water a few too many times, she decided to head home for naptime.  My boys and I decided to stay on as we were so enjoying being out.  We sat together on a big rock for a while, just watching the leaves float down the river.

On our way back up the trail, Kai and I started looking for pods, acorns, pine cones and other items that had fallen out of the trees to use to make little nature people out of for an art project (inspired by the upcoming Kids Grow Expo - I’ll write about that in a future post).  It was great to have a treasure hunt - it really added to Kai’s enthusiasm and, as a result, we ended hiking the yellow/green trail for another hour or so. While not stroller-friendly, I had forgotten mine anyway, so with Taz in the front-carrier we did just fine.  It was bike and horse accessible - I would love to get day on the mountain bike without the kids this spring… Anyway, I was amazed at Kai’s endurance - all due to his having a purpose to his hike.  I was actually the one who insisted on turning around once Taz got overly fussy.  He fell asleep in my arms on the way back to the car - not the most comfortable way to walk, but we made it back to the car.

As I’ve looked over the Friends of the Wissahickon website, I am so excited about all there is to do in the park, which is part of the Fairmount Park system.  There are numerous trails, as well as volunteer activities and organized hikes.  There is even an environmental center which offers tot classes.  While the schedule currently on their website is from last fall, I am hoping to visit there soon and find out about the updated options.  The more I learn about Philly’s outdoor offerings, the more I am amazed by how nature friendly this big city is.  And the more excited I am about discovering all we can!