Way back when we were young and the world seemed a better place, I had littles strapped to my front, my back, sitting on my shoulders, and sometimes all three at once. We did mostly short hikes even if the drives were long and the destinations unimpressive. It was all about getting outside.
It's been long enough I've forgotten the troublesome aspects of changing a diaper in the pouring rain or dealing with a child that no longer wants to be in the backpack. It's good to be reminded that it wasn't always perfect outside.
Hiking with wee little ones is a challenge and their parents deserve our sympathy. Even when it goes well and there's not a peep from little humans riding bigger humans, there's still the stress of remembering all the extra gear an adult doesn't need if he's not solely responsible for keeping the next generation alive.
So hats off to parents who take their toddlers hiking. Double hats off to those that choose to follow me through thick blowdown, sodden trails, and snow that wasn't supposed to be there.
And hats on for me because when it's all over, I get to wave goodbye as they drive away and retreat into my grown-up world.
