We woke up this morning and I felt the need to go, to get out, to drag the kids with me somewhere, anywhere that didn’t have Cars on permanent rotation, or a Strawberry Shortcake marathon. So after breakfast I packed the kids up and we left for Monterey.
I like the drive from the Peninsula to Monterey. I love Dennis the Menace Park just north of downtown. I love Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf. And of course, I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
We haven’t made the drive for a while, and the last time we did I thought the backpack was just about retired. Adrian is old, and heavy, and too tall to sit comfortably for too long now; it wasn’t going to be any better now that he was older, taller, and heavier. The walk from the parking garage to the aquarium lasted just a little too long on tired shoulders.
I brought the backpack today anyway, although I suspected it would be a bit comical. I was right, I suppose. He’s outgrown the backpack a little now. I’m just not sure that I have.
Backpacking Dad. Still.
The solution, of course, is to have another baby (I’m so sorry, Emily, but I couldn’t resist).
Babies for everybody!
It is such a bittersweet moment when they grow out of things.
Tomorrow he’s applying to colleges.
It’s the end of an era…what are we going to call you now???
The Blogger Formerly Known As Backpacking Dad. I’ll make some symbol up.
Could you perhaps tote him in a large duffel bag?
This sounds like a possibility. I approve this message.
I agree – I think it’s time for another cute baby to fill the backpack!
This post is going to land me in a “conversation” with Emily.
Who will you be known as if you aren’t going to be BPD??
Back-broken Dad.
I lived in Monterey for 2 years, so I know exactly how taxing that walk from the parking garage to the aquarium can be. One year on my daughter’s birthday, I promised her that I would carry her around the entire aquarium on my shoulders. I spent a decent portion of the next day in the hospital getting valium shots and muscle relaxers.
Have you had a chance to drive down through Big Sur? We tried to do that about once a month, and we loved it. There are plenty of hiking opportunities and Highway 1 is always a beautiful drive.
I haven’t taken the kids to Big Sur. The furthest south we’ve been on a day trip is Point Lobos. Any farther and we’d only be able to stay a couple of hours before we’d have to turn around and drive home, and the driving time would double or even triple the visit time.