(Music: “In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Grieg and “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”)
Title 1: Holy Jim Trail Revisited - Perspective of a group of people who keep trying to do something and are never able to.
Remember this post? Or what about just this picture?

Yeah, we didn’t think you would. Why would you? It was taken over a year and a half ago. This is a picture of our first attempt to hike the Holy Jim Trail. Unfortunately, due to heavy rain, the roads were impassable and we ended up hiking a good portion of the road leading to the trail instead. Since then we have tried and tried to go, but it always seems to rain a day or two before our planned trip.
Finally, the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2009, we made it to our destination. True, the roads weren’t all that much better, but at least they were dry and we had determination. In all honesty, perhaps driving the van over roads that would normally require 4-wheel drive wasn’t the smartest decision, but when has that ever stopped us before? We were a people on a mission!
Title 2: Pride of the Pack - Perspective of An Older Generation Observing Their Kin (Pictures stolen from my father-in-law. Commentary is my own interpretation and does not represent the actual thoughts of the Grandfather in question.)
I thought passing the roads was an ordeal - that is until I saw what goes on once 15 people actually reach their destination and have to prepare for whatever might await them on the trail, especially when 2/3 of them are kids. The moms come prepared for every circumstance - hunger, thirst, cold, heat and diaper changes. 10 kids must be warm, pottied and ready to walk before one step can be taken towards the trail.
As all the rigmarole took at least 15-20 minutes, I took some time to observe everyone’s goings on and take some pictures of my descendants.

Ah, Josh. I watched and waited to take this picture. I just had to have one with him sucking his fingers as only Josh does. What a handsome lad. Look at those eyes!

Speaking of handsome lads, Benjamin in the orange looks just like me.

Sweet Sariah. I hate to admit it - and won’t to anyone but possibly myself, but this one’s got me wrapped around her little finger.

I love watching the cousins enjoy and love each other. Jenna and Elizabeth do just that. They are inseparable.

Looks like the newest addition to the pack is ready to go.

Could the timing have been more perfect here?

We actually did make it to the trail head (and a bit beyond), so I had to take a picture to prove it.

Aren’t they a magnificent brood? All of my descendants but 5 stand there looking into my camera. How the time flies. It feels as if yesterday I was doing outings like this with my own small children and here they are grown and taking their children on adventures of their own.
Title 3: Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better - Perspective of ME!
It’s amazing, and yet not surprising, that all it take is a few little words. I hate when assumptions are made and people think I can’t do something. Well, I’ve got news for you! You think I can’t do it? I CAN!!! Just watch me. I don’t care how hilly, rocky, wet or difficult my brother-in-law thinks this trail is. I can push this double stroller on it just as well as he can AND I’ll do it with TWO kids in it. He’s only pushing ONE! Ryan, take the baby.

I’ve got a job to do.

(OK, so at the time this picture was taken there were no kids in the stroller, but I SWEAR there were two heavier kids in it at times and the trail required some tricky navigating.)
Title 4: Freedom - Perspective of 10 children
FINALLY!!! We never thought we’d get here! It took FOREVER!!! Hey all you slow poke adults, see if you can catch us as I start to run down the trail!!! FREEDOM!!!!

Ooh! A wall!! It’ll serve as a great balance beam! Let’s go!

Everyone pay attention to us! We’re the greatest!

The best thing about hikes is that we can pee wherever we want to!!

See? I’m peeing on a tree and mommy isn’t getting mad at me!
Title 5: Those Who Fall Behind Get Eaten - Perspective of Two Moms Watching Over Their Flock
There very well could have been no real danger, but that’s beside the point. We were told a mountain lion was heard by hikers ahead of us, and with 10 children to watch over we weren’t taking any chances - it was time to turn back. However, our casual stride must change. Time to call a meeting and discuss how to get back to the car safely, as fleeing quickly is not an option. Here are the new rules:
1. All little kids back in the stroller. Rebecca will take Michael and Ryan will now push the stroller with Joshua and Benjamin in it.
2. Stay together in a group. No more spreading out along the trail. Stragglers are more likely to get eaten.
3. Walk in this order: First Grandpa B. will lead the way, followed by Christian, Jenna and Elizabeth - the oldest of the children. Next will be Ryan with the stroller followed by Sariah and Ashley, the two littlest walkers. Rebecca and Michael will follow with Becky behind her, watching Rebecca’s steps to make sure she doesn’t trip over what she can’t see due to the snugglie and Michael. Finally, Andrew (the largest at 6′4″) will take up the rear with the second stroller filled with their two smallest. Being as large as he is, he is unlikely to be attacked by a lion of any kind.
Title 6: Final Remarks - Perspective of myself… again.
Needless to say we made it back safely. No one was eaten. We didn’t even hear any strange noises, though our group was so loud that we probably wouldn’t have heard anything had there been any noise. However, we did manage to scare Sariah badly enough that she now refuses to go on any more hikes. All in all, I’d say it was a successful trip. These adventures are always fun, and they’re even better when you can come back with a bit of a story!