Denny Creek Slide--Debby, Rose, David, Lisa, Ben, Emma, Laina

wildlife we saw--lots of flies; tiny green inchworms hanging from threads in the middle of the trail

David did not want to go on this hike and made it abundantly clear. He was really annoying--dragging his feet (literally), kicking dust, not responding to polite requests. . .and then he had a fabulous time.

It's 3 miles round trip and the pay off is fabulous--a natural water slide. The water crossing seemed saner this year. Lisa and I stood in the middle and helped the kids across and felt very steady and safe. The water was also lower than it has been in previous years, so I did not worry about the kids falling in and getting swept away. We spent an hour throwing rocks in pools, building damns, and testing out the slide. I had brought an innertube, and even though it only worked for the littlest kids, it was a big hit.

The kids told me jokes and riddles all the way back down the trail. I have a penchant for bad puns and knock knock jokes.