Scott's Run Nature Preserve

Last Saturday I drove past the Scott's Run Nature Preserve on my way home from a RS activity. I remembered walking through it 4 summers ago with Holly and two friends. I walked ahead with the group of kids and proceeded to get lost... Never follow directions from a 10 year old no matter how confident she seems. After walking for an hour she'll tell you she doesn't actually know the way.

Shortly after one child crying out, "I'll never see my mommy again!" we were reunited with their mothers and all was well. I wanted to try the hike again, this time with my own children and the Oates family.

It was a beautiful day with a little sun, a breeze, and no bugs. The kids did very well on our hike through the dirt and rocks.

Oliver, Macy, Halle

 I love the scenery

After a long walk of playing in the river, walking over rocks, and forging the river with strollers we eventually make it to the Potomac. I didn't realize there was a little inlet with a small waterfall. Bonus!

We relaxed for awhile and enjoyed snacks. There was a large group of kayakers who came to enjoy the waterfall too. The kids threw rocks in the water and just played. The saying is true- give kids dirt and sticks and they will entertain themselves. We found out later that night the Potomac water level was higher than normal because of all the rain we've had lately. The current was also strong so I'm glad no one fell in.

Oliver

 Sloane loves Ja and as soon as he sat down she ran into his lap. The whole trip she had to make sure Ja was nearby.

To get down to the river we had to walk down this step and very rocky hill. The kids were tired so Ja carried/ran Macy up the hill.

 Ellen would have made a great pioneer. She had Sloane on her front in the Ergo, holding Oliver, carrying a backpack, and holding Halle's hand up the steep hill.

You have to cross the river in a couple of spots (it's very shallow, not even an inch deep) and on the way back we let the kids take their shoes off and play in the cold water. They enjoyed it very much.

I think we'll be going back again this summer. It was fun to play in the shallow river parts. No need to walk to the end of the trail.

The next day we found out the Oates are moving to Utah in two weeks! We will miss them so much but are happy for their new adventure.

We went again the next Saturday so Joe could enjoy the walk with us and we had another great hike with beautiful weather. All the kids wore sandals so they could just walk through the water.

 Everyone besides me and Anna braved the hard climb over the waterfall and sat across the river. Apparently it has a few steep climbs in a few parts and Ja said Macy was a great little climber and did it all herself!