Tadej has lately picked up with a little obsession with waterfalls. And boy, do we live in the right place for such a fascination?! Especially during this time of year! The waterfalls that enliven the Gorge come even more alive with more rainfall and this type of weather. The small waterfalls from the summer become large lively waterfalls in the winter, the large waterfalls become even more gorgeous and full.

There is rarely a day that I don’t hear, “Mama, waterfall?” We have taken to taking longer routes back to Menucha to find extra water falling all around us. The other day he and I went waterfall chasing and parked in front of one of our favs with the windows down to just zen out to the sound.

It seemed appropriate then on New Years Day to go on a waterfall walk/hike to begin our new year. When Ana’s parents were here in September, we found an amazing hike/walk with a paved trail that walked along a hand full of waterfalls. This is perfect for a family with a two year old that loves to run but gets tired of running fairly quickly and then would rather be in the stroller. There are many trails that branch off from the main trail too when we get more adventurous. The parking lot had plenty of parking unlike some other spots along the way and it was lush and revived all three of us. The weather was cold and damp but not windy like I can hear just outside our windows now.

The minute we got out of the car we could hear the water. The beginning of the trail highlights an amazing waterfall and creek. We walked along the path to get to it and our little kiddo started to really light up when he realized where we were. “Waterfall! This is waterfall!” Tadej loves to exclaim and claim.

Our New Year begins with green and water. It begins with life and being out in nature. It begins together.