Pump Station Hike

There is an old Pump Station that supplied Durham with water from the mid-1800's through 1926...or something like that. The ruins of it are inside the Eno River state park along a beautiful trail loop. Though we are super-habitual in our adventures, we deviated from the "shake shake bridge"/ log cabin trail to check it out.  We still brought the established burritos and apples, though, so we weren't too far out of our comfort zone!

Man, North Carolina is so beautiful this time of year. Leaves were fallen to provide a nice blanket, but we could still see roots and enjoy the majority of the changing leaves on the trees. Calvin walked the whole way...stopping every now and again to perform some trick, always asking two things: "Is this a good trick?" and "Take a picture of me doing that trick." Goober.  Yes, I like your trick, buddy. That is good balancing. Here is your picture...

The stone and brick ruins were pretty gorgeous against the fall colors.

The old pools are down below where Dan and the boys were standing....

Dan climbed down into the old "pools" and the boys were mesmerized!  

Fearless Jack was standing on this wall (with me close), and Cal started crying because he was scared for Jack. So sweet!

And the best feature of the old pump station....this tunnel!

Calvin walked the whole way, but Jack hitched a ride with Dan for the whole thing. He started pretty bright-eyed.

Eventually he started fading...

And fading...

And fading.

All in all, a little slice of heaven for me!

We headed to Duke to watch a club soccer game and have our burritos since there wasn't a good place on the trail. Cal enjoyed the game on Daddy's lap.

Jack wandered around eating his apple.

And Luke hung out on Daddy's shirt.

I am so thankful for a day with Dan home, beautiful weather, and happy boys! A little gift!