Hiking to the ice caves

We took a day hike to the Big Four Ice Caves today. The skies were overcast and the temperature was moderate, so after a quick stop to the grocery store for lunch and supplies we hit the road.

An hour later we arrived at the trailhead. Nate paused to check the map before our journey. I know what you're thinking about Carmen...obviously her father dressed her this morning...


1 mile. No big deal for this crew.


Oh no! The bridge is washed out from the flooding last year!


We decide to go around, crossing the river by walking over the fallen trees.

Carmen waits patiently as Dad shuttles Nate to the other side.


We made it!


After a quick break for a snack and 30 minutes of ascent the mountain is so close we can almost touch it.


Warning signs abound. We heed them.


We finally make the ice caves, and they're ginormous, as Carmen likes to say.




Nate explores, Carmen lunches. That's my girl.


The walk back down to the car was a snap for the kids, even though they were running on empty, having delayed their nap. They were asleep inside of 5 minutes, always a sign that the adventure was fulfilling.