Hike 7- Xmas Break Day Unknown
I was determined to take a hike today. The weather was going to be in the fifties, and after the sub-sub-zero temps last week, I needed to take advantage. Unfortunately, the day got away from us, and we were running out of daylight. I felt some pressure because it is Kareem’s last day off of the break, and life is about to get pretty real on us. So it felt very important to get out there, and we rushed to get out the door.
I don’t really know how it happened, but we decided to take both dogs AND all the kids with us. Kareem didn’t think we could all fit in the car, but lo and behold- we made it work! I knew because I frequently take both dogs. Kareem does not. The kids were excited to go hiking with both dogs!
Because of the weather we have been having, it would be a muddy mess out there, so we needed somewhere paved. And then because of the time of day, we needed somewhere close. So we chose Busch Wildlife and the Fallen Oak Trail.
It was an absolute treat! The sun going down gave us a glowing golden orange. The wind treated us to creaking and clacking tree sounds, which left the kids in wonder. It was beautiful.
It was fun to bring the whole family. I take the dogs frequently together, just me and them. Jam town insisted on walking Jeff, and Marge gave Kareem a run for his money- literally, Kareem was running! 😀
Marge was very reluctant to cross the wooden bridge. She doesn’t like narrow spaces. But she ended up doing it! The kids wanted to take the “shortcut” with the steps up through the woods. They had to cross over a couple fallen trees, so I knew Marge wouldn’t do it. Kareem took Marge the regular way, and I tromped through the woods with the kids.
Bear town brought her basket to forage for fairy finds, like leaves and mushrooms. She is working on a fairy house.
We saw the sun set and the moon rise- a beautiful late winter afternoon.
Trail Info:
- Busch Wildlife Conservation Area in Weldon Spring
- Fallen Oak Trail (0.7 mi)
This trail is short but mighty. It provides lots of habitat for wildlife, and there is a bird blind there which my kids and scouts love. There are informative plaques about the flora of the forest it winds through. Conveniently, it is paved. It is right by the visitor center. There is a pavilion and many picnic tables and some fire pits as well. It’s really great for something quick and/or for families and people who are looking for something short but with a lot of bang for their buck.
