Hiking with a 15 month old

We live a few miles down the road from a nice little nature center and hiking trail that is free on the first Thursday of the month. The last time we went was back in February when Ezra was 7 months old. We took the shorter, stroller friendly route that time and ever since then I've been counting down the months until the weather was cool enough for us to enjoy a real hike.

Last Thursday morning the weather was nice and breezy so we strapped on the Ergo and went for a nature walk. I think it was the perfect level of difficulty for us to conquer with a one year old. The first half was all up hill so we kept Ezra strapped to our back but then when we got to the top we let him roam around. To be honest I am really out of shape and I was sweating and out of breath but just getting outside and being active is a real mood booster.

I overheard one of the employees say it was going to be free everyday very soon and I can't wait to plan weekly picnics.

Here are a few photos from the last time we went to the Dogwood Canyon Audobon Center exactly 8 months ago. Ezra was only 7 months old.