Backpacks at Wahclella Falls

The subject of backpacks deserved a post all its own. There were several different backpacks on our Wahclella Falls hike.

Logan and Jed carried their children Soren and Kiera.

My dad carried water (and a camera?) in his.

Here's a shot of Soren and Logan standing next to Peter with his own orange backpack.

And then there was Gunnar.

We brought the backpack that is Gunnar's backpack and he absolutely insisted on carrying it when we got out of the car. He took one look at it, recognized it as his, and had to be the one to carry it. Now, I can't remember exactly what was in there, but I remember that it was heavy. I know it had at least two Nalgene bottles full of water--possibly 3 or 4 (2 large, 2 small), 2 boxes of granola bars, and some fruit leathers.

It was downright comical watching him try to handle himself. The thing nearly tipped him over as he started on the trail, although he eventually got the hang of it.

He also insisted on carrying his Lightning McQueen flashlight in his hand. (Is that boy adorable, or what?)

He made it pretty far along the trail carrying the backpack. We were all amazed at how strong he was. He did not tire out.

Eventually, though, he did relinquish the backpack to his dad so he could concentrate his energy on some more lofty hiking goals.

I came around a corner in the trail to find him scaling this:

This view is a little more realistic as to the angle of the rock, but it was still pretty steep. Damon didn't help him at all. He merely acted as a spotter. Gunnar made his way to the top finding each grip and foothold himself, climbing right up to where his 7-year-old cousin was waiting.

Finally, he made it. Here's the photo I took from the trail, if it gives you an idea of the height.

And we hadn't even made it to the falls yet! This little guy did not stop and never once asked to be carried. You can be sure he fell asleep on the car ride home. What a kid!