18 Jul Not Making it to Dripping Springs

As a dad, I’ve had to learn how to enjoy every adventure I have with my kids, regardless of how long it lasts or how far we get. That’s my key to avoiding spoiling fun.

Today, my daughter and I sought out to see the spring in ice canyon.

Early on in the hike, I could tell she wasn’t feeling it. We made it about halfway and heard a rattlesnake near the trail. This was the first time she had heard one while hiking. She was done. But I convinced her to keep going, and we did. It was a proud dad moment.

We almost reached the old coach stop when she stopped and said she wasn’t feeling good. I told her we can turn around at any time, but we kept going. For a few more minutes anyway. She was done.

“I’m sorry, dad,” she said.

Oh man, that about killed me. I never want my kid to think I’m disappointed in the time we spend together. So I held her hand and told her “I’m glad we made it out here together. You don’t need to be sorry. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be out here today at all. So thanks for coming with me and pushing yourself.”

We held hands, swinging them back and forth for a bit while walking back. We took some fun pictures and wished trails were downhill both ways. Here are some of the shots we got.