Kline Family Reunion: Day 3

Day 3 brought a hike... a very difficult hike. Probably the hardest hike I've done so far!

Again, it was suggested by the owner. It seemed easy, hike up the ski slope, find the cross, cross a bridge, go through a campsite and you will find a beautiful 100 foot waterfall. I just didn't know hiking up a ski slope was so tough. It was a failed ski slope...it was facing the wrong direction, so the sun would hit it and it was icy and dangerous (deadly). It was suppose to be the next "Vail" ... it took 3 bankrupt owners to figure out that it wasn't going to happen. The hike was pretty much right in the backyard of lodge we were staying in. What looked like the top of the mountain, was never the top. We kept getting to the top, only to find more mountain to climb. Mountains will get you and trick you. I've been around long enough to figure that out... it's almost like a mind game.

A view down the slope. The view is what keeps you going while hiking!

The Cross!! We finally found it! We only had 5 turn around and a couple turned around just before the cross was  located.  I don't blame any of them for turning around. This was a tough hike... did I mention that part? ;)

After the cross the terrain was easy...using the vague directions were not. But after a little backtracking we found the waterfall. It wasn't a grand, open waterfall... we had to squeeze to fit all of our group close to it. The kids that had been whining all the way up, were determined to enjoy this part. It almost made it all worth it in their minds. Next up were family pictures.

Side note: Riley wasn't 100% better, but he toughed it out, without any whining and made it. He knows what it takes to survive a hike.

I'm missing Jill's family... huh? Next we ate lunch and ventured back down. The way down was even more tough. We were tired and it felt like we were going straight down a majority of the time. Finding your footing was challenging. As much as I don't like skiing, the thought of skiing down the mountain seemed much easier.

I found this on the way back down. Reece's initials. :)

As a reward, we drove into town for ice cream cones. Yum!

Later that day, the kids had some organized craft time. It was nice to have them sit and focus for a bit.

Owen showing off his craft... Owen and Aidan came out without mom and dad. It was hard on my sister to leave them both for a few days, but they did just fine.  

After our final dinner, we had picture time... and I didn't get very many. Here is the Omo clan.
Peggy Omo is my mom's oldest sister. She has 3 boys and their wives in back (my cousins) and my second cousins ,that belong to Cy, in front.

I didn't warn them I was taking a picture. My mom is 2nd to right with her 3 sisters and a cousin.

Finally, late night fun in the hot tub.

Day 3 was exhausting but fun. I never mentioned how tired I was the entire week. I had a 10 days off in total. The first 4 was spent non stop painting and cleaning up the house. My sister Jill came from Utah that night with her 4 kids and stayed the night so we could caravan to the reunion. Days 5-8 were traveling and reunion, days 9 and 10 were more entertaining of family...then it was back to reality on Monday. I had really been working around the clock since we bought the house. It was work, paint, unpack. Coming down from the constant go, go, go was hard on me. Now a week later of no big projects I am beginning to feel more human.