hiking Penang Hill

So whoever named it "Penang Hill" was slightly mistaken.  It's much more than a hill!  It's a mountain!  At least it certainly feels that way when you're trudging up the side, panting with exhaustion and soaked with sweat!

We have LOVED this hill!  The kids hiked twice.  Matt and I have been out multiple times.  My Uncle Charlie hikes this hill almost every day!  He knows every possible trail up the mountain and is a great guide.  

Kate never turns down a hike.  Even with the shortest and slowest of hikers!

On Friday morning four of us headed out for our most intense endeavor yet.  It took almost three hours and was totally worth it!  Extra fun that the hike ends back at the house where we plunge into the pool :) 

Sometimes we hike through jungle growth, other times the trail takes us right out in the hot sun.  The views from the top (and along the way) are stunning.

And in the jungle areas?  Well, you often spot a monkey.  Or twenty!

Grandmama and the littlest monkey.  ha ;)  

Now that is HOT hiking.  Trust me.

Matt thrives on this kind of stuff!  It's been fun to enjoy together as a family and with our extended family.    

When we aren't hiking we are at the pool.  it's easy to get used to a pool in the backyard, and the kids are in it all day long.   Today we moved to a hotel on the beach for two nights.  We will be back at Charles and Linda's before leaving on Thursday (sigh).  I have more pictures from their house (so nice! and they are great hosts!) and also hopefully some beach photos too.