With the El Nino rains coming through, Bean and I have been spending an inordinate amount of time at home. Until this week, when I gave up, covered her head-to-toe in waterproof nylon and headed for our favorite hiking trails.
It turns out rainy day hikes are similar to sunny day hikes, except they’re roughly 50 times more fun. And as the adult in the group, I have to admit: the hikes are more beautiful too.
With mist clinging to a eucalyptus grove in Golden Gate Park, we trudged down a damp path in muddy rain boots, collecting eucalyptus pods and berries. Whenever Bean stopped, and toddlers are always stopping, I could sit back and take in the heavily scented air and notice the sun radiating through the white fog. The paths were still and quiet and ours.
With all the recent rain, Golden Gate Park is carpeted in bright green wood sorrel. In a small clearing, the sunny skies gave way to a shocking rain storm. The raindrops glinted in the sunlight, weaving through pine tree limbs and falling on our bewildered heads. A blue Sterling Jay swept through, settling on a branch. A Red-Tailed Hawk circled to our left.
Hitting a series of mud puddles today, Bean’s entire face lit up and she ran over, splashing as big as she could. Do you have any idea how much joy a toddler can get just from throwing pine cones in big mud puddles? A shocking amount of joy.
We are so often worried about dirt, getting dirty, having dirty hands, it is so liberating to put your kid in a rain jacket, rain pants, and rain boots and let them have at it. Their giggles and fun are infectious, don’t be surprised if you find yourself splashing along side them.
