I took all three kids to the Mojave National Preserve, which is right on the Nevada-California border and is now among my new favorite close hiking places. We spent a full 8 hours in the preserve, enjoying the beautiful scenery and buildings.
We started the day on the 4-mile Teutonia Peaks Trail, which included a leisurely walk through the largest and densest (not very bright apparently) stand of Joshua Trees. It was simply amazing to see such beautiful trees, striking in their form and simplicity. Then we started to climb a small hill, from which we were able to take in the majesty of the spare landscape. As Emma and I walked back along the trail, she told me, matter-of-factly, that "Boys aren't so bad, but boys like Asher and Alex sometimes get naughty."
After the hike we visited the historic Kelso Train Depot. It was really cool. Then we took a dirt road to the Hole-in-the-Wall area of the park. The boys wanted to do a hike there, but it was getting late, so we decided to save it for another day.
We didn't even get to see the sand dunes or the volcanic cinder cones. Asher and Alex are planning a big family picnic there in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. The pictures are below:
We started the day on the 4-mile Teutonia Peaks Trail, which included a leisurely walk through the largest and densest (not very bright apparently) stand of Joshua Trees. It was simply amazing to see such beautiful trees, striking in their form and simplicity. Then we started to climb a small hill, from which we were able to take in the majesty of the spare landscape. As Emma and I walked back along the trail, she told me, matter-of-factly, that "Boys aren't so bad, but boys like Asher and Alex sometimes get naughty."
After the hike we visited the historic Kelso Train Depot. It was really cool. Then we took a dirt road to the Hole-in-the-Wall area of the park. The boys wanted to do a hike there, but it was getting late, so we decided to save it for another day.
We didn't even get to see the sand dunes or the volcanic cinder cones. Asher and Alex are planning a big family picnic there in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. The pictures are below:
The Kelso Train Depot (or as Emma called it, the Home Depot Train).
This was an original Union Pacific Club House, used for recreation and housing of train crews. It is now operated by the National Park Service and it is a really amazing train museum. There is a great short film and re-creations of the crew quarters. The interpretive displays rival the quality of the Springs Preserve.
I can't tell you how much I love these 1940s era posters.
So simple, but so beautiful. The kids really enjoyed this museum.
At the lunch counter.
It was a full U-shaped lunch counter, with beautiful wooden stools. The kids are pretending to write in their passport books (apparently in an attempt to look bookish, rather than famished).
On the trail.
A rose among thorns?
The Joshua Trees were huge and awe-inspiring!
The view from Teutonia Peaks Trail.
The view from the summit.
The view from the summit.
Alex on the lookout.
The kids found a cave. They thought it would be so funny if they went inside and said, "cough, cough Gollum Gollum." Three little demented hobbitses.
5 comments:
you always find the greatest spots. what funny and good looking kids you have.
I agree with Matt....you guys have so many adventures!! I hope your kids appreciate how great of a Dad they have
I want to go!!! Looks like a nice spot to hang out for the day! Let me know when you'll be picnicing!!
Andy, your kids are so cute, but Emma is gorgeous! Obviously gets it from your hot wife. I hope you invest in a big gun before she turns twelve!
The pictures are great in their composition. Too bad it would be a pay cut to be a photographer! The sky is so blue, the kids so happy. You are doing a great job of spending time with them before the next session of the legislature
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