We finally took the boys to Bukit Gasing for “an easy hike”. After our previous recce trips to Gasing where we explored a number of trails, I chose what I thought was the “easiest” trail. It was an easy 45 minute round trip when a group of adults did it so I estimated us to get through it in an hour with newbie hiking kids in tow. The idea was to introduce the kids to hiking but not scare them off. I’m not sure if we succeeded since half the kids have vowed never to come back… whoops.
But… when it comes to hiking with children, we have learned:
- it helps to go with other kids – it brings out their competitive nature which distracts them from complaining about the hike
- running a mini treasure hunt is also a great distraction – children looking for hidden sweets are too busy to remember they’re tired
- distraction is key so feed their imaginations with stories and fantasy play along the way – our boys were smurfs in the forest fleeing from the evil clutches of Gargamel
My city boys started the hike full of enthusiasm but by the time we were halfway through…
G1: How much farther to the lookout tower?
Me: Oh, not much farther now.
G1: Does it have air-con?
Hmmm… Does this look like it has air-conditioning?
A little trying and somewhat whingy hiking session but not a bad run for our first real hike in Bukit Gasing with kids in tow.
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