The town that we live in has the topography similar to northern California. Large lakes, rolling hills and mountains, wineries as far as the eye can see. We save the wineries for date nights, but the mountains are something that we enjoy as a family. Our house is actually situated in a mountain range, and there is a large trail along the creek which is a three-minute walk from our house. Directly behind our house is a large hill, which leads us into government-owned forest, and we often take our dogs up there for a hike.

In the middle of our small town is a very large mountain (Giant's Head). It's the mountain I ran around on that 10K two weeks ago, and it's a popular place to hike. I will often meet up with a girlfriend (or five) first thing in the morning and if we book it, we can get from the base, to the top, to the bottom again in little over an hour. (I've only ever done the hike by following the winding road. Some people hike straight up the mountain. GOOD FOR THEM.)

About six weeks ago, my husband was out of town for a conference, and my kids had a Saturday morning full of soccer. The weather was warm, I wanted a fun thing to do, and so I suggested that we pack a lunch and hike Giant's Head after soccer. I didn't make them hike the bottom-top-bottom route (OBVIOUSLY). I drove as far as I could, to the parking lot that got us to the steepest part of the hike. After three hours of soccer, they were so excited to see the summit that they powered through and before I knew it, we were at the top. They ran around looking through the landmark telescopes and then we sat to eat our lunch and then they declared it the BEST DAY EVER.

We went up again on Mother's Day, not because I requested it, but because they did. How could I say no? (I couldn't.)

(My hair is waving hello.)

Do you hike at all? Or go on meandering walks? Some of the best conversations we have had is when we are out walking or hiking. Do you find the same?