The second in a series contributed from a visitor, Nancy Hayes from Stafford, Virginia
Help I am stuck in the leaves and I can't get out. When you are two it sounds more like, "Mommy, me stuck." Even though if she took one step she would be free and could move it's a fun game to play and makes the mile trail nearly two miles for mommy. But my fashion diva daughter with her stuff duck and blue swimming goggles, (oh I wish I was kidding) trailed behind me and stopped every couple of minutes and announces "Mommy, me stuck."
The other two ran ahead and scared all the birds away and laughed and yelled and climbed tree stumps. The poor bird watchers on the trail rolled their eyes and gave the weak 'I wish you were somewhere else" smile as we hiked on past. But the kids noise did not disturb the eagle perched on a tree. Far enough so we could not bother him but close enough I could take the picture.
The birds were out and the trail was easy and we saw the geochache, not hidden well, sitting on the ground and took a few second to convince the kids to leave it alone and not take it with us. The hike across the bridge that looked like it had better days made me glad that if it feel down we only had a few feet to fall. But the sight of my son holding hand with his youngest sister to make sure she made it was worth it.
We ended the trail with hide and seek in a tree trunk and a run through the playground. I wish we were earlier so we could see the butter but maybe next time.
The park was nice with lots of hiking trails. They were labeled easy, moderate, or hard. Great for people with kids. The park was on the water and had a boat launch and playground with rubber shredded for the base of the playground. It only cost $4 to park, and the picnic area was large with grills and a nice bathroom facility.
Definitely see our family going back.
Editor's note: For more information on Mason Neck State Park clicking here. Iam also including a picture from our files so you understand how you play hide and seek in a tree.
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