North Menan Butte April 2012

On the rim, with the Big Hole Mtns. and Tetons in the background.

 
The Westside Tengaio's took advantage of the mild temps and hiked the North Menan Butte for the first. It's kind of funny that we've never hiked this before, seeing how we've done other family hikes that are farther away from home and this gem is right in our backyard.

The kids did awesome and had a lot of fun. Ethan is almost 9, so this grade of hiking is something that he should be comfortable on, which it turned out to be a good workout for him. He's got tree trunks for legs so it was all good for him.

Madeline is 5 and I had my reservations on how well she would handle the steep initial ascent from the parking lot. Not to worry though, she's a trooper and did the whole hike on her own. It probably helps that she is quite a spaz and has more energy than most girls her age. I can usually gauge someone's fitness on a steep hike depending on how much of a conversation they're able to carry on while climbing. The hike up didn't even phase her. She talked THE WHOLE WAY. Amazing.

Brittany told me that we have a goal to take Ethan and hike to the top of Table Mtn. this summer. I'm thinking Madi will be a serious contender as well. Sounds like the Westside TeNgaio's will be doing a lot more hiking in the coming weeks. Sweet!