Sunday, June 26, 2011

Weekend Getaway


For our anniversary this year Kale and I escaped to good old Newton County. Mom came over on Friday morning and Kale and I loaded up and took off for some wilderness fun. First we went to Lost Valley and took a hike up to the natural bridge. Since there was little to no water we were able to climb up into it and hike on through to the other side. We then took the stream bed back to Eden Falls. Since there wasn't any water... the "falls" wasn't very impressive this time. So, we headed UP, up, up! Once we reached the top, we put on our handy-dandy head lamps and crawled all the way to the back of the cave. One problem...we had no knee pads. That meant crab walking and walking on our hands and toes all the way back! Great workout :) It was so cool once we got to the great room. We were both very glad we stuck with it and scooted ourselves all the way back there. On the hike back to the car Kale's shoe broke. Of course, these were the only shoes he brought on the trip. He was so sad...his favorite pair. BUT, like any good boy scout he fixed them up with duck tape! Good as new :) Here are some pictures of Lost Valley, Eden Falls, and the cave.
Natural Bridge
Inside the Natural Bridge
Eden Falls/ Cave is up on top
Kale in the stream bed
Broken shoe :(
All better!
Inside the great room in the back of the cave.
Inside the cave.

After Lost Valley we ventured into the big city of Jasper for some yummy food at the Ozark Cafe. It just so happened that the Elk Festival was going on Friday and Saturday so after dinner we walked the square and looked at all the booths. Kale got a really cool new key chain and I got some really good crafting ideas!
Elk Festival
New key chain.

Yummy Ozark Cafe.
It was getting late so we hurried on to Hawksbill. We strapped on our packs and started the hike down. On our way, we passed the two cars of people who were there before us; they were headed out, making us the only ones out for the night! We found a cute little waterfall and cave to set up camp in. It was PERFECT! Once camp was set and ready to go, we took off for the sunset out on the Crag. This particular spot is pretty special to us. It is where Kale proposed :) Absolutely wonderful; especially since we met in a scouting troop and went on many hikes and camp outs together before we were ever officially "us." Then it was back to camp to turn in for the night.
Where it all began.
Happy Anniversary Love.
All set up!
Morning came and we loaded up for the hike out. I'm not going to lie, the hike down = no problem. The hike out is HARD work. Especially with a loaded overnight pack on. I was proud of us though; we never stopped, just kept on pushing through.

Morning View
Tuckered out.

So, we were supposed to go to another campsite for the night and then head home on Sunday. However, we missed our boys, bad. So we took the long scenic way home and stopped for lunch in Eureka. Mom stayed overnight and took the baby monitor so we could sleep all night and a little later in the morning. It was great. We woke up just in time for church and felt so rested. Thanks mom for offering to help out this weekend. We love and appreciate it so much!

The place we ate at in Eureka had shoes on the legs of the chairs!

Great trip! A little alone time was just what we needed. We really enjoyed the nice quiet time, but are so happy to be back in the middle of all the busyness that comes with kiddos.

-Stephanie

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