Ringing rocks

We decided to spend Bruce's last day of Spring Break up at Ringing Rock park.  We packed a picnic lunch and loaded every one up.  This park wasn't that far away, a quick 25 minute drive and we were there.  The trail blazers ready to begin.  Notice the look of awe and excitement on Zabien's face.  This park is the dream of any little boy.

Hazel was surprisingly content in the backpack.  I wasn't quite sure how she would do, but she seemed to enjoy the ride and scenery.  At least she felt included in the adventure. 

I thought we would have to hike for awhile before we came upon the rocks.  I also thought we would have to climb a bunch of rocks to get to the ones that ring.  But, we probably walked 100 yards before we came upon this....

The wonder of these rocks.  Apparently, they are hollow inside.  Thus, when they are hit with a hammer or other hard metal tool, they will ring - hence the name Ringing Rock.  The catch is, they only ring in this park.  People have tried removing the rocks and banging on them in another location and they don't ring, it just sounds like someone banging a hammer on a rock.  Interesting phenomenon.  

The expressions on the kids' face really say it all.  Eliza was less than thrilled about our excursion.  I'm not sure what she was expecting, but apparently a park full of rocks was not it. 

She kept asking when the fun part was going to start, and if we could go home yet.

Zabien on the other hand...

This was the best day ever.  Next time we go, we will bring a variety of different sized hammers, and other hard tools to get different sounds.  We had a difficult time convincing this boy it was time to leave. 

He moved quickly from rock to rock banging to his hearts content. 

Hazel was just Hazel - content to be apart of it all and relieved to be out of the backpack when it was time. 

After we banged on the rocks for a little while, we took a short hike to the waterfall.  It was a very short hike, but still a bit challenging as there were lots of rocks to climb over to get to it. 

Eliza didn't want to get dirty or wet, while Zabien said he wanted the waterfall to have more rocks to climb.  The sun in the background makes this picture look a little funny - that and we only take pictures with our phones now since yet another cheap camera has bit the dust.

Zabien did a pretty good job of taking this picture of us. I was impressed that we actually made it into the photo.

Here's the picture Eliza snapped - at least the people are in the middle.

It wasn't necessarily an awe-inspiring waterfall, but it was pretty and impressive when you consider that this park is small and in the middle of several towns.

I really can't get enough of taking pictures of these cute kids - they both are always full of such personality. 

We had no trouble convincing Eliza it was time to go.  In fact, she darted right up those rocks as quickly as possible.  She was the one telling us to hurry up and go, it was time for lunch. 

While eating lunch, another family turned on some music in their car.  Zabien thought this was the perfect opportunity to jump on top of a rock and get his groove on.  I love the way he dances, as if he doesn't have a care in the world. 

Zabien's only question.... when are we coming back??