Finally I wanted off the trail after dodging poop for 1/2 a mile. We began hiking back up to what we thought was the original rock formations. We couldn't figure out where the trail met up with the old trail. Amy was nervous and kept saying, "I don't like this. I don't like being off the trail." After listening to this for about fifteen minutes, I mentioned to Chris that it was similar to the choices we make in life and whether or not we choose to stay on the straight and narrow path or whether we choose to veer off the path in sin, distancing ourselves from our Father in Heaven and setting our path in the wrong direction. We had the girls find a shady spot (we were all happy for a rest) and had an impromptu spiritual meeting with them explaining the importance of choices we make in life. When is a better time to impress upon them the importance of a lesson than when we are right in the middle of experiencing it and feeling lost?
We finally found a trail that took us in the opposite direction we wanted to go, but it led down to the road which we could follow back to our car. We were not lost in the sense that it was some remote area with no help around. There were other people on the trail, we were just not able to find the trail that would have allowed us easier access to our car--and afforded us less whining from our children about how hot and tired they were.
We finally reached the van, AND we all were pooped. Our girls may not like hiking, but they are becoming more fit because of it. We were more than happy to be on our way home. It is wonderful to have such a treasure close enough to make a short weekend trip out of it.