Quick hike with little man

[Tilley Knife]

It was hot but right after church, my son wanted to have lunch on the trail. So, we packed up and headed out to the woods behind the house. He's six and his two greatest loves are baseball and being in the woods. Can't imagine where he gets that from. This is his first trip carrying his own pot, stove, and knife. He was very excited.

On the trail

Once at camp, we fired up the stoves and cut some veggies

He just had to cut a branch to use as a pot lid lifter. Never mind the 15 of them laying on the ground.

This Old Hickory #7 was bought new by my grandfather in 1955'ish. I modified the blade and of course the handles are not stock, but the patina on the shoulders is all original. Formed by years of use around the kitchen and farm. He went home to the Lord 15 years ago and every time I carry this knife, I think of him. My son is named after my grandfather and I look forward to the day that I can pass this fine tool on to him. Anyway, thanks for looking and happy trails.

 

[Tankerwolf]

Looks like a great time. I have a six year old as well and he loves being out in the woods. Good times and good memories.

 

[Bob W]

My boy is eight and has been hiking since when he was still in diapers.
Now he'd rather be playing computer games but I make him go anyway, and he always has a good time. He hikes about as fast as I do now.
We started with local short walks. I'd walk him until he couldn't go any farther, then he'd get a piggy-back return to the truck. Now he's climbed 'mountains', hiked Australian rain forests, explored miles of tidal pools and beaches, and even has some experience with urban walking/navigating. Our longest hikes are in the 6-8 mile range, and much shorter than that if hiking off-trail.

Glad to see your boy carries his own stuff too. :thumbup:

-------------

One challenge we've had is finding quality gear in kids sizes. The 'toy' backpacks and bookbags, and cheap WalMart boots just don't hold up and are only marginally functional to begin with. What really sucks, kids that age outgrow things so fast so ya hate to buy really expensive stuff either.
Out biggest Win was a Tarn youth pack from REI. It's adjustable enough to grow with a kid for a many years, is built as well as 'real' backpacks, and has comfortable waist and sternum straps for stability.
We've still not found a pair of decent leather hiking boots in kids sizes. The Vasque Breeze boots do very well, excellent traction and durability, the boy just has to extra careful around cactus and mesquite thorns.

 

[pitdog]

Treasured memories for sure, love it !

I like that first Opinel, I'd not seen that model before.

 

[Tilley Knife]

Thanks guys

 

[TTHilt]

Well done sir.

 

[jmh33]

That is really GREAT!! Fun was had by both yinz and memories will last forever!! Thanks for sharing!! John

 

[KP]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Shotgun]

That old hickory is beautiful.

Your sons knife is pretty cool too. I haven't seen one like that. :thumbup:

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Thanks for sharing

 

[trailbum]

A day well spent.

 

[fishiker]

Great pics with a touching story, thanks for sharing.

 

[Codger_64]

Nice. And thanks for the headsup on the Opinel No.7 kid's knife. I will be getting a pair for my granddaughters. There seems to be some campcraft teaching in our futures.

 

[cut it out]

My daughters first knife is a pink izula. I like the rounded tip on your sons. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Baby2Huey3]

Awesome story. Keep that fire growing. I wish more of my children enjoyed the outdoors as much as I did. Maybe I will have more luck with my grandchildren.