We arrived mid-afternoon Friday, and left around ten o'clock on Monday morning. Within that amount of time, the kids managed to complete their Junior Ranger activities, we all earned our 5-mile hiking pin (which were back-ordered but will surprise us when they arrive in the mail in a few weeks), and really enjoyed being outdoors, in each other's company, and away from electronics. Here is our photo journal for the weekend:
On so many of our trips, right before we arrive at our destination the view is bleak and bland before suddenly turning into a paradise. Weird.
Upon arrival and check-in, we promptly set up, and Matthew made himself a tent within the tent.
The sites are cozy and close, but we knew our neighbors so it was fine. The shade trees were lovely.
Brian worked so hard on making our super cool cornhole game, so he got to have the ceremonial first toss.
Here, Elizabeth is posing outside the restroom. It was fabulous to look at that view every time nature called.
About three hours after we got there, our friends arrived. Matthew was happy to see his pals Avery and Raynan.
That evening, we had a wild turkey siting! He's right in front of that tree in the middle.
On our first full day, we set out for a 3-mile hike on the Echo Canyon Loop.
The rock formations were spectacular!
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| Tom and Kim |
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| Matthew, Avery, and Raynan |
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| Elizabeth beside Balanced Rock |
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| Tom checking out the Wonderland of Rocks |
Kids and rocks are a great combination. They can never get enough!
The Echo Canyon Trail was a rather steep path down into a deep canyon. At the bottom, we took the Hailstone Trail which was flatter but pretty much full exposure to the sun. Then we had a gradual climb back up to the parking lot on the Ed Riggs Trail. It was a moderate hike, but we were glad we went in this order because climbing the Echo Canyon Trail would have been even tougher than the way we went.
Wall Street, along the Echo Canyon Trail, was really neat.
After our hike, we drove up to Massai Point to the scenic overlook.
Back at camp, our wildlife friends entertained.
These Mexican Jays came by every time you brought out the food. One nearly swiped my sandwich Friday night, and another was pecking at our coffee grounds when I went to fill up the coffee pot with water one morning. They will eat anything and have the bellies to prove it.
Kim wasn't feeling her best after the hike, so she and Tom stayed at camp while the boys played and dug in the dirt. Brian, Elizabeth, and I took a short hike to the Visitors Center because Elizabeth had some research to do for her activity book.
The boys spent most of their time at camp playing in the dirt. The morning's hike inspired Avery to create his own unique rock formation.
I guess they weren't in the dirt the whole time.
On our second morning, we woke up slowly and had a hearty breakfast.
Then we relaxed in the cool morning air, and the kids worked on some more of their activities. These things are awesomely fun and educational.
Then we headed out on the trail from the campground to Faraway Ranch. It's about a mile and a half away on a flat and mostly shady trail right beside Bonita Creek (which was dry). We passed some cool old fireplaces, lots of deer, and pretty mountain views from the bottom of the canyon.
We were there in time for the ranger-led tour of the ranch. It was very informative and an interesting overview of the history of the area.
Back at camp, cornhole and more cornhole!
Then we went to the Visitors Center so the kids could receive their badges.
Before dinner, we drove up to Massai Point for a different perspective. The late afternoon light changes the view.
Our last campfire of the trip was epic.
Because a skunk visited! :) Lesson learned. Tie up the trash even before you go to bed. Wildlife can be so bold.
