BLACK BEAR MOUNTAIN ATTEMPT

We hiked Bald Mountain (Rondaxe) so many times in the years past, I was ready to try a new peak with the kids this year. Black Bear Mt. is only 4 miles from Limekiln campground. The only thing that I didn't know was the distance. To my surprise it was 2.2 miles one way, making it a 4.4 mile round trip. With the youngest 3 years old and the oldest 7, we decided to give it a try anyway. The weather was favorable with overcast skies, low 70's and a bit humid. Most of the kids were excited about the hike so off we went. One hundred yards into the hike we heard the first complaint and wishes to be carried were quickly expressed. But we kept moving and we were making good progress. 

A little over half a mile into the hike we came to this intersection, but we decided to stick to the yellow trail even though it was a bit longer. 

Around this area we also ran into a couple that was also camping at Limekiln, originally from Manilus, NY. The kids really got excited and started to chat with them and basically tell them everything about their family. While hiking together, the guy spotted a toad in the leaves and held it up for everyone to touch and look at. 

It didn't take very long after the toad petting experience, it started to drizzle. We continued to hike even though the drizzle had turned into a more steady rain. We also came across some muddy sections in the trail, and the kids being unexperienced hikers got themselves pretty dirty. It wasn't terrible but we knew some cleaning was needed when we returned to camp. 

With the rain coming down hard at this point, we decided to turn around at the 1.5 mile mark and head back. Mike and I let the youngest kids ride on the shoulders so the the could make better process on the way back. 

During the return trip we really learned who the true hikers were in the hiking party. Mike and I made some mental notes for future hikes. Three out of 5 were definitely troopers, Adrian was one those. He was a bit disappointed when we had to turn around. He enjoyed getting rained on, getting muddy, and of course ridding on daddy's shoulders. 

All in all we hiked 3 miles total. It was great little hike with some experiences that I hope they will treasure and I hope they learned some new things for future hikes. I'm super excited to take my little man hiking to the high peaks in a few years.