Lees Paddocks with 4 yo (Second Child this time)

[Son of a Beach]

After having done this two years ago with my elder daughter, it was now time to do it again with my younger daughter. This time around I was much more psychologically prepared for the mental challenges of walking a long distance with a 4 year old child. The motivating pep talks and distractions were the primary two arrows in my quiver with frequent food breaks being the third tool.

I still don't think I'd recommend this to other people, but since I'd done it for the elder child I wanted to give the younger one the same opportunity - and she very much wanted it. I think that perhaps 5 or even 6 years old is probably a better age to start doing this length of walk.

It was still a mental challenge all the way there, but we had a lot of fun. The one thing I did that made all the difference this time was that I held her hand much of the way. I found out all too late last time around that this makes the walking speed much faster, as the hand-holding gives them the confidence that they're not going to trip and fall all the time.

I was also very surprised at the differences of behaviour and interests of the two kids. I mean any parent of more than one child knows that every kid is very different to any other, but it still catches me unawares in just which ways they are different.

With the first child, the most exciting part of the trip was fetching water from the river to drink. With the second, it was throwing rocks into the river. The first child walked slower, not just because I didn't hold her hand most of the way but because she was constantly being distracted by what was around her. This is actually a bit of a problem for her at school now that she's in grade one, but on the bushwalk it was a really good thing because she noticed so much! Many insects, fungi, and other points of interest that I never would have seen if she hadn't directed my attention to it. By contrast the second child was not as observant/distracted and it was me pointing things out to her all the way. But this means that she did walk a bit faster, even when I was not holding her hand.

Except for the tiger snake - I was surprised that she saw that one first. But on the way out we were having lunch by the river at the southern end of Pine Hut Plain when she pointed at a dead tree in the middle of the river and said, "there's a dead tiger snake on there". I expected that she was just looking at a stick, but sure enough there was a fairly large tiger snake there - and not at all dead, just sunbaking. We'd also seen a whip snake the day before.

Despite the mental hurdles (for me) we had a great time out bush together. She absolutely loved it. When asked by her grandfather what was her favourite part of the trip, she said that it was stirring dinner (she loves cooking) and the blue tongue lizard that I picked up on the side of the road on the way home.

To others later, she said that it was the dancing on the island. The water level was very low (the lowest I've ever seen it in the Mersey River) and I waded out to the tiny grassy island near our camp site (with her on my back) and then we danced together on the grass. I sure hope there weren't any other people watching from the forest!

The weather on the walk in on Saturday was fantastic - clear, sunny and warm, with a bit of breeze to cool us a little. Yesterday it was a little drizzly when we woke up, and there were occasional light showers while we walked out, but not enough to require our raincoats. In fact we started walking in rain coats as we expected more rain. But we had to take them off as it was just too hot.

It was so warm on the Saturday afternoon that we even went for a swim in the river. Well, almost. We went wading - she said it was too cold to swim but it was actually much warmer than the water she normally swims in. So I think she was just a bit scared of going any deeper into the deep pool due to the gravelly/rocky and steep river bed.

Crossing the bridge over the Mersey River near the beginning

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At Lewis Falls

One of a zillion snack breaks

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Near Oxley Falls

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Lunch on the rocks above Oxley Falls

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Mt Pelion East behind our camp site at Lees Paddocks

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Throwing rocks in the river - her favourite pass time while there

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Camping by the Mersey River at Lees Paddocks

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Commencing the walk out

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Snake bread in the Enchanted Wood (we were sure the Magic Faraway Tree was in here somewhere)

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[Chris]

Absolutely delightful photos and account of a very special experience. Thanks for sharing it Nik.

[doogs]

Nice little trip there Nik
For me taking kids on a bushwalk amplifies the old adage that most of the enjoyment of the walk are in the planning and reflection, it's the bit in the middle that can be hard!! Not that I don't like taking my kids walking; they both get excited about the prospect, whinge during it and beg for more when we are at home- a bit like me really My proud Dad moment this summer was my 6 year old daughter making it up Hartz Peak

[Son of a Beach]

Too true doogs - about the bit in the middle that is.

How long is the Hartz Peak walk? I can see it from my sisters house at Geeveston. I might actually get to do a bit more down south this year, as I'll be based down there for half the week during the year.

If the weather is suitable we're actually going to try a slightly shorter and somewhat easier walk in a couple of weeks this time with both kids and again sleeping in tents overnight. The other difference will be two adults too.

My theory is that the kids will kind of bounce off each other, and each will (I hope) be interested in what the other is doing or looking at. There may even be a bit of a competitive spirit at times.

[doogs]

From memory we spent about 4 1/2 hours, with plenty of short stops along the way to keep it interesting. There are long sections of boardwalk which makes it easier for the kids as it is an 8-10km round trip. There is a short steepish section up to Hartz Pass but that just added to the fun for my daughter. All up I reckon my daughter was on my shoulders for about 20 mins on the return to the car!! If you are going without kids then the Devils Backbone or Mt Snowy are good extensions to the walk

[Son of a Beach]

I'll have to stay down south for an extra day one week and see if I can fit it in.

[naturelover]

Good on you !!! But don't stop now.
They start like this

Yerranderee

then go to this

TAS South Coast Trail with children

then this

South Coast trail 20 yrs later

and finally the wheel turns full circle

Freycinet - 3 generations

[Nick S]

That's awesome you can do that with your daughter nik. Timeless photos there.

[corvus]

Again, good one Nik and as I said b4 how quickly do they grow up
corvus

[Graham51]

What fantastic photos and stories. It's so great to see people actually getting out and doing things with their kids that all will remember for a long time. Looking at those photos brings back a lot of memories and brings a tear to my eyes. Love it!

[Onestepmore]

When asked by her grandfather what was her favourite part of the trip.........to others later, she said that it was the dancing on the island. The water level was very low (the lowest I've ever seen it in the Mersey River) and I waded out to the tiny grassy island near our camp site (with her on my back) and then we danced together on the grass.

I hope she remembers dancing with her dad years later

Lovely pics and writeup, thanks for sharing

[Son of a Beach]

Nobody who has seen me dance would ever forget it.