We Can Do Hard Things - Ginger Limeade

Avoid trail three at all costs. We had received a fair amount of advice about hiking in a new park. We had crossed the suspension bridge (a little unsteady, but not too bad). Then we climbed 70 steps (according to the sign), and we were now at a fork in the path. Friends had said look for trail ten. Trail ten was easy with kids and would make for a leisurely hike. Well, the fork in the path only had one number on it - three. One way led down under a large rock formation. The other headed in the opposite direction and seemed to be a little more popular.

We decided to follow the popular trail. (After all, no one would pick a super difficult trail overwhelmingly?) Trail ten had to be around here somewhere. We found ourselves in a beautiful canyon with a flat trail. The light fell across the rocks, and a small stream ran down the rock walls. It was beautiful and serene and inviting. We walked on, taken by the views. As we walked, the trail became just a little steeper and narrower, but not bad. The path twisted and turned so you could only see fifty feet or so in front of you. By this time, we had walked a good quarter of a mile.

And then there was a bottleneck of hikers. Suddenly, there was a steep rocky climb with a crystal clear stream flowing down the center. Your choice was to trek through the icy cold water or climb the rocks and hold on tight. Flower was a little intimidated. Poet ran ahead excitedly. I held onto Flower's hand and said, I think we can do this. Holding hands, we climbed the rocks and forged ahead. The trail continued with rocks and icy water. We continued on. By this time, the way back was just as precipitous as the way forward. It was far too late to turn back. And then, before we knew it, there were steps out of the canyon. We had made it.

We can do hard things. The kids learned about this recently at school. They put on harnesses and climbed a large rope wall intending to reach the top. Flower scampered to the top in a second. Poet was more cautious but slowly climbed and successfully made it to the top. Their teachers issued words of encouragement all along the way. And gradually, they reached their goal.

At the end of a canyon, we had a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Slowly and carefully, we had hiked through it. Poet and Flower were super happy and could not wait to tell their friends. We were hot, tired, and thirsty. It made me think of a summery ginger limeade. Ginger limeade is a refreshing take on nimbu pani, which in Hindi means lemon water. It is a sweet-sour summer drink popular in India.

There is also the popular soda, Limca, in India. We would drink it in the summer heat. The soda seller would pop off the metal cap and hand us an icy bottle. We would gulp the soda down and hand the bottle back. It was perfect. For the ginger limeade, use fresh ginger and simple syrup. A sprig of mint on top gives a lovely herbal bright note. It is easy and quick and is perfect for a hot day.

As we climbed up the last set of stairs, I couldn't wait to get back and enjoy a cold frosty drink. Just as for little ones, we can all do hard things.

Ginger Limeade

Fresh ginger, simple syrup and lime juice make a refreshing summer drink. A playful take on the Indian classic, nimbu pani. You can add rum to make it a little more interesting.

Servings 4-6

• 4 inch piece of fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 10 limes (juiced)
• few springs mint
• 3-4 cups sparkling water

1. In a medium saucepan, add 1/2 cup water and sugar. Roughly chop the ginger and add to the pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Let sit for 30 minutes.

2. Strain the syrup into a jar. The ginger syrup will keep in the refrigerator for a week.

3. In a glass, add 2-3 tablespoons lime juice, 3-4 tablesppoons of ginger syrup and 6 ounces of sparkiling water. Stir gently.

4. Add ice, top with a sprig of mint and serve.