61-Week Hiking Challenge (Week 4) – Pismo Beach Turkey Trot

Coming out of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I hope that everyone had a fantastic time whether you hosted and event or traveled to be with friends and family.  Our school district takes off a full week, which is good and bad.  I like the freedom, but why must I feel like I have to cram so many activities together to keep my kids entertained?!?  I see a future article somewhere on that topic 🙂

 This Thanksgiving I’ve started a new tradition.  The kids and I woke up early and went out to Pismo Beach for the 2^nd annual “South County Turkey Trot at the Beach.”  There was no registration fee, but cash donations were requested for our local Food Bank.  I had Carter and Caitlyn make our donations, which allowed me to reiterate the importance of charitable giving and talk about what we’re thankful for in our lives. 

It was a little overcast, but the weather was pleasant.  What a better way to start off Thanksgiving then with a nice walk along the beach with the kids.  We saw one of the kid’s basketball coaches, and their gymnastics coach amongst the crowds of people participating in either the 1, 5, or 10Ks.  We stuck to the 1K, which took us North of the Pismo Beach Pier.  In all these years I’ve lived here I don’t think I’ve traveled to that end of the beach.  There are a couple of caves to explore and an old stone staircase that makes for cool rustic pictures.  

Now what kind of day would it be without kid drama?  As we were exploring one of the caves and getting ready to take some pictures on the stairs, set of waves came “crashing in” and caught Caitlyn by surprise.  She jumped up on a low rock thinking she’d be safe, but of course not.  She started panicking and crying.  I was going to snap a picture of this, but she was about to be hysterical.  Some poor old grandpa (how was wearing flip flops) ran in a “rescued” her.   I thought it was funny.  She was in no way in any danger at any point.  It took awhile, but she finally calmed down.  The funny thing was that she got so upset because she knew that after getting all wet and sandy that she was going to have to take a shower before we left for Shannon’s for Thanksgiving dinner. Really?!? Kids!! 

As I’ve been talking to the kids about my hikes, they have become more fascinated with the hiking challenge and are excited that they will be participating in more hikes in the months to come.   During the holiday week, we did venture out one other time.  It was short (very short – like less then a mile) and flat.  But we made it fun and interesting by pretending we were going on a “bear hunt.”  We looked for tracks saw some dog, coyote, and horse prints in the sand.  The trails started by the park, so afterward, I rewarded them with some playtime at the park.

Even though I’m not “rating” either of these hikes, I fell that I should say that it doesn’t matter how hard or easy, long or short your hikes are.  Get out there and be active.  Start moving; get your kids involved.  They will enjoy it more then you think, as will you.  It’s a great way to get in some extra quality time with the family.

 Oh, and by the way, the Turkey Trot ended up raising over $9,000!  They sent out a statement saying that for every dollar they collect, the Food Bank can get $10 worth of food!!  I think that’s amazing and I will definitely be planning on going next year! 

 Would you ever consider participating in a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving?