at low tide, i was turning over large rocks to show my children the dozens of small crab, eel and snail that would retreat from the newly exposed light. each time my kids would jump up and down screaming woaa at the top of their lungs. they didn’t behave this way just the first or even tenth time, but every single time, and there were many. each discovery under every rock was greeted with the rapture of seeing it for the first time.

in the routine of getting my kids fed, clothed, bathed and to their daily activities this unrelenting enthusiasm is exhausting. on holiday, exposing them to the outdoors and mountains i enjoy so much makes it all worth while.

and my kids weren’t the only ones to enjoy a new experience. for the first time in my life i saw a bald eagle in flight in the wild (barely caught on film below). and while i have matured past jumping up and down and screaming i can assure you i was equally thrilled.