Mason’s First Hike Around Thetis Lake Park

Mason is now an “Official Little Hiker”. He came with us early Friday morning for a hike around Thetis Lake and he loved every single minute of it. Mason got to walk on the trails, play in the sand on a beach, see lots of puppies on the trail besides our Rylie and, of course, get pushed up the big hills in his stroller by his Grammy and Grandpa.

A 20 sec. clip of Mason on the move and making noise

Originally, we had planned to hike around Langford Lake as it’s a pretty flat trail with an elevated boardwalk over parts of the lake and the marsh at the north end. It would have been quite easy to push Mason’s jogging type stroller around. But, Paulette suggested we try Thetis Lake instead as it was longer and a better workout.

Grammy, Grandpa look what I found!

Alrighty, then.  After picking up Mason at home we were off for the short drive to Thetis Lake. We had already switched the car seat in my truck from rear facing to forward facing so Mason can now see us and look out the front window too.

It’s a stick – I’m going to take it home!

Even though we got to the parking lot not long after 9am there were already a lot of cars there. Thetis is a very popular place for walking especially those with dogs as they are allowed off-leash and there are a lot of great places for them to swim.

What kind of little rocks are these?

Whenever we came to a fairly level grade on the trail we took Mason out of his stroller and let him walk and explore.  He just loved it as he found rocks, sticks, leaves and all kinds of things to pick up, look at and throw.

Pushing Mason up a steep hill in his stroller

Grandpa’s out of breath but Mason’s all smiles

About halfway around the lake and after pushing Mason up several steep hills in his stroller, Paulette said “I didn’t remember so many hills being here, did you”?  I told her I did but just figured she wanted some rigorous exercise. We certainly got that for sure as we had to take turns pushing Mason up some steep hills.

This sand sticks to my hands!

After making it around the full lake trail we ended up at the south end beach, found a picnic table to sit at and have a rest while Mason played in the sand.

Thanks, Grandpa – I had a great time!

It was a perfect morning for a walk around Thetis Lake.  With Mason in tow it took us about 2 hours as we stopped quite a few times to let him play around a bit. It was kind of funny because he always wanted to run off down the trail in the opposite direction to the way we were headed. There’s a little bit of “Born Free” in that little man!

I could swim in there, easy!

Back home, Mason likes water fountains and stood watching the one in front of his condo for quite a while. We watched him closely too just to make sure he didn’t decide to go for a swim. He’s pretty fast now.  When we took him up to his condo his hands were dirty from playing in the sand and so were his jeans and jacket – a sure sign he had a great time.

That was a great first hike.  Life is Good!

After having something to eat after he got home, Mason wasn’t long in falling asleep and settling down for a nice long nap. He definitely takes after his Grandpa in that regard. Nothing like a little siesta time after a long hike. Paulette and I were back home early in the afternoon tired but happy after a great morning.

Thetis Lake – Friday, October 3, 2014

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