Summer GM

I haven't seen too many GM's so I thought I would post one of many from my summer. First some background.

There is a greenway nearby that is absolutely wonderful. A very broad and shallow river is flanked on both sides for miles with walking paths and hiking paths, biking and horse trails etc. It is literally miles of barely tamed forest open to the public for free. The river itself is about 150 yards wide and for the better part of the summer it is very shallow - maybe 3' deep max but most place a foot or less. It is the perfect place for young girls to play. The wildlife is abundant and spectacular. Everything from river otters and blue herons to bobcats. You can walk for miles into the woods and spend a glorious day undisturbed by civilization. The girls and I love this place and have explored for miles in every direction.

Anyway on this particular day I had 6 girls between the ages of 3 and 7.We had decided on a picnic down at the river but I had a surprise for them. Instead of stopping in the usual parking lot and going down to the usual well maintained areas I parked across the river where there is no formed paths but rather just tracks made by the more hardy of folks who enjoy this place. They were quite surprised but excited by being able to play "on the other side" where they are not usually allowed. We got all our stuff ready which encompasses the girls in their bathing suits and carrying their towels and me carrying everything else - laughing.

You start off down a very steep hill to the riverbank and a narrow muddy track. I was sometimes leading and sometimes following trying to keep everyone together so no one would fall in or lag behind. It was so funny a sight seeing that line of little girls looking like little ducklings walking through the forest with the river at their side. After many adventures (in their minds at least) like little G almost sliding off the path on that stretch that is slanted and all of the girls being startled by this magnificent blue heron taking wing in front of us, we ended up about a quarter mile downriver next to some huge flat rocks out in the middle. Now came the big adventure for sure when you are that young.

To get to those rocks we had to wade out in the river. At some points it was up to the girls waists so we made a chain holding hands and out we went. The girls were squealling and giggling and so excited. Finally we climbed up on this huge flat rock and the girls got to spread their blankets. How can I even describe this? Just imagine you are 75 yards out in the middle of a river standing on a beige rock about 100 feet across. Overhead is the bluest sky imaginable and everwhere is green - so much green it almost hurts the eyes. And surrounding you on this rock is 6 little angels just thrilled to be alive and in such an adventure.

There is a bunch of these rocks nearby and between them the water is real shallow and sometimes between them you get a little fall of water as well. The girls are just playing in the water climbing on rocks and wading in the falls and just allowed to be themselves. They are gigggling and trying to catch tadpoles in the still pools and squeeling when they find what they call a "waterfall"!!It is so much fun watching them since I am not telling them what they can or cannot do. They are using their own sense about this and the older ones are telling the younger ones not to go beyond the ring of rocks because the water gets deep etc.

But of course this is thirsty and hungry sport so they finally want to eat. Now what does one pack for 6 girls under the age of 7? Laughing - Lunchables of course!! I have 7 Lunchables and a ton of drinks with me and we all sit on the rock in a circle and have a great lunch. I have this great picture of the girls all snacking and laughing in the sunshine on this big rock totally surrounded by water and tree lined banks in the background.

We ended up spending the better part of the day out in the river and exploring. They are so young that every tadpole or tiny fish or leaf floating by or stick they found was cause for comment. And on the hike back out they were all telling "war stories" - LAUGHING!!

"I almost caught that big fish!!"
"I slipped on that rock and fell into a big waterfall!!"
"The water was up to here and I just swimmed anyway!!!"

And on and on. What a delight. And on the ride back?? Of course they all fell asleep in the car so that when we got home I had to wake each one and carry them into the house one at a time.

Well that's it. Nothing too earth shattering but a fun day out in nature with a bunch of angels. I get such a kick out of seeing their innocent delight and wonder at everything. It fills me. Plus all them hugs and thank yous just tickle me seeing how happy they are. It is such a simple thing I do for them and they take such delight in it.

I am created Siva