Tumbledown... Finally!

We have been trying to get out and hike Tumbledown Mountain since we moved here.  We kept hearing conflicting feedback from different people on how the trails were and how old the kids should be.  The kids were doing so well hiking this year at the speed and distance comparable to most adults, we thought that this was finally the year.  As it turns out there are several different ways to see Tumbledown.  There are a few different peaks and lots of people only hike up to the pond and back down.  Of course we couldn't take the easy way and thought it would be more rewarding to hike the trail not recommended for kids and come down the more appropriate trail from the pond.  For the record, it was totally worth it.  What a great hike!  The first trail was treacherous and a bit challenging at places, especially climbing through tight spots in the rocks.  The kids were a bit leery at different points, but they all did it and felt quite accomplished when we reached the top.  After reaching one peak, we went over to the second peak and down to the pond to have lunch.  Ben was the only one brave enough to get in the frigid water. James also experienced the frigid water, but it was only because he didn't heed our warnings and fell into the pond.  The boys all hiked without complaint, Audrey was a trooper riding on my back for most of the trip and we were back down to the parking lots after just 5.5 hours.  We will definitely be back to do this hike again next year!