Oneonta Gorge

On Saturday we hiked Oneonta Gorge.  This was one of the things they wanted to do before Kyle left for his mission.  We were happy to tag along with them.  

We walked down a set of stairs and most of the hike looked like this.  The water wasn't too deep and there were a lot of rocks.  I knew we were doing this hike so Jonah and I brought water shoes.  I'm so glad we did because it would have been really hard without them.

I don't love the pictures of me on the hike, but I love the memories we made so I will include the pictures!  I loved spending time with Gary.  He has always been a wonderful brother and I'm so glad that I have stayed close to him and his family. 

Within the last twenty years (since Julie has done this hike) some boulders and trees have fallen over, which makes the hike very tricky.   We had to climb over these trees and rocks in a few places.  It was really hard because everything was wet and slippery and there wasn't a good place to put your feet.  It was also narrow so only one person could go at a time.  Kyle was a huge help and helped all of the kids over and helped me a few times.

After we climbed these trees we had to walk along some rocks and then jump into the water.  At this point I was getting really nervous, this was near the beginning of the hike and I was nervous that the whole hike would be like this.  There were rocks and sharp sticks underneath the logs so it would be really bad if you fell.  I thought about not doing it, but I decided to push through and keep going.  Kyle helped Jonah and when I saw that he could do it safely I felt more confident in moving forward.

Once we got over all the trees and rocks we got back to the shallow water.  

It was so pretty in there.  Everything is so green!

The water started to get deeper as we went on.  Jonah and Jacob had fun together.

There was a spot where the water was up to our chest.  The water was freezing, but you had to go through it to get to the water fall.  The best thing to do was just get in and swim across.  Kyle carried Jacob and Ashley and swam across.  Gary walked through with Ammon on his shoulders. 

Lindy talked me into swimming across with her.  The water was so cold that it literally took my breath away.  I brought Jonah's swimming suit and I wish I would have brought mine.  I didn't realized how deep the water would be, it would have been much better in a swimming suit.

Jonah didn't want to do it because he hates to be cold, but I told him we couldn't quit when we were so close.  Caleb jumped in and talked Jonah into it.  He put Jonah on his back and carried him for a little bit and then Jonah jumped in and swam the rest of the way.  

The deep water didn't last very long and then we were at the water fall.  It was so pretty and we were so proud of ourselves for doing it.

I love this cute family!

I spent most of the hike with Lindy.  It was so fun to visit with her.  She got home from girls camp right before we left for the hike, so it was nice to be able to have time with her.  She is such a great girl!

The way back was much easier.  I'm so glad we did the hike.  It was an awesome experience.

I'm so glad that Jonah and I were able to go to Oregon.  It was so fun and we made a lot of wonderful memories that we will have forever!