Of course, what we failed to realize at the time was just exactly how steep the road was going to be, and about 3/4 of the way down, we were informed that this particular road contained the steepest incline in America! Of course, at that point, there was no turning back, but it was a long, strenuous, exhausting, hot hike! Oh, and did I mention that at the time, I was 17 weeks pregnant with our second child, and our first (at 15 months and around 28lbs) was riding in prime position in the Kelty carrier atop Daddy's back?
The hikers along the way assured us that we would have no trouble finding a ride back up to the top of the hill from one of the locals, so we enjoyed exploring the beach (BREATHTAKING!) for half an hour or so, then made our way back to the spot where we'd likely be able to be picked up.
It didn't take long to realize that I had come completely unprepared to spend any significant time anywhere: Not only had I forgotten to pack any diapers or wipes, I had also forgotten to pack very much water (just 24 fl oz) or any food for our little guy. So, in other words, we didn't really have much time to dawdle or wait around for the possible ride. We did wait about half an hour at this one spot, but after a while just decided that it wasn't worth the wait, so we took off back up the hill.
It was an extraordinarily LONG hike back up the hill, which was really only about a mile. It took us about half an hour, but it felt like about 3 hours or more. Mark took it like a trooper, and Cashel did so great! I was just a few minute behind them, but by the end was barely putting one foot in front of another. It was so completely more than exhausting, but we made it!
Never before or likely ever again have we ever done something so insane, but it will definitely be one of those memories that sticks with us for the rest of our lives :)
