tales from a far-land

To celebrate the start of summer vacation, we decided to take a family day trip to explore Arizona.  We realized there are so many beautiful destinations that we have never even traversed or visited.  This time, we decided to undertake a hike near Happy Jack called Point Trail and West Clear Creek.  Getting to the trail head was an adventure in itself.  From the highway turnoff, it was about a forty-five minute drive on a very bumpy, dirt road.  The kids and dogs were definitely ready to get out of the car by the time we arrived to the starting point.  The hike was challenging and gorgeous.  The first mile of the hike was a very steep and rugged downward trek.  At several points on our way down, we had to assist the dogs and kids through tree branches and boulders.  It made it an adventure!  The kids quickly learned how to scale the mountain so as not to fall.   After you complete the downward portion of the hike, we were rewar...

One of the things that Josh and I enjoy doing on our anniversary is going on a hike.  With the temperatures increasing above 100* in Phoenix, we decided to take the family up north to explore a new trail in the Coconino National Forest.  The trail that we chose is called Bell Trail and it was about a seven mile round trip hike.  Luckily, we started early because the sun started to get warm for the last hour or so of our hike.  The trail is really beautiful!  Lots of water.  Not a ton of shade.  But the pool of water at the end of the trail (referred to as "The Crack") was amazing.  The kids and dogs loved wading and swimming in it.  In fact, they didn't want to leave because it meant that they had to hike back out.  The dogs also weren't really excited about the hiking out part.  They just wanted to lay at the water's edge.  Maybe someday they will all grow to love hiking with us.  I guess we will just have to keep trying...

On Sunday, March 15th, the Pattee family invited us to enjoy a day at Saguaro Lake with them on their boat.  Looking back, I am so glad that we had this opportunity.  Only a few days later, Phoenix would declare a public health emergency due to COVID-19 and boating with friends would not have been in our future.  So, I am very thankful that we had this fun excursion with our friends. Our day on the lake was perfect.  The weather was warm, but not too warm.  The scenery was lush and green.  There weren't too many other boaters on the water.  The kids enjoyed swimming in the lake and playing on a small beach we found without fighting or tears.  We indulged on the snacks, food and beverages we packed for the day.  It really was a great day!  Looking forward to repeating  this experience some day in the near future.   Aiden, Ben, Addison, and Madi My crazy water baby And her friend, Addison Even Aide...