San Diego, CA: May, 2010

The long weekend and rising temperatures told us it was time to get out of town. We thought it would be a good time to go see Papa John again. Since it is a pretty short trip via car, and one of our favorite places to go, it was a no brainer. This time my brother and his family went out there as well. If we tried to plan it, it would not have happened that way. It is always nice to get the family together and I know my dad really enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. This time instead of walking the decks of the Midway, we went to the New Children's Museum and the Maritime Museum right on the Embarcadero. We also took a family trip to Sea World and the kids got a blast out of seeing the pet show and Shamu. Another great weekend in one of our favorite cities.


One of the best places to have breakfast downtown. The line to get a table is long, but the corned beef hash and pancakes are well worth the wait.


Trojan horse at the New Children's Museum.


Jacki painting a butterfly on a whale at the New Children's Museum.


Sea World is always fun. This guy seemed to think he was just a little too important for us at the moment.


The Killer Whales are always a sight to behold. The show was great!


Elle enjoying a hot cocoa in Old Town.


View of the Midway from dad's balcony.


Soviet sub at the Maritime Museum.


Officers mess in the soviet submarine.


Officers mess aboard the USS Dolphin. Another submarine at the museum.


The "conn" aboard the USS Dolphin.

Again, we love San Diego and have been getting out there a couple times a year for the last couple of years. It is always good to see my dad and Patricia, and the kids always have a good time too.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron

Bodie Mine/Pole Camp: May, 2010

Marko was born a couple of months ago, and now that he is holding his head up, we though it would be a good time to do a day run with him. A friend had invited us and a few others to do a run from Prescott, down the Senator Highway to Palace Station, then keep going down the Bradshaws past Bodie Mine to Pole Camp Canyon and then on to the dam site at Walnut Grove. This turned out to be a very long day, especially for Marko. However, he loved the "bumpies" trip, and everytime the truck came to a stop he would cry. And he would stop as soon as we started moving again. It was a lot of fun with good people, and the hike to the dam site offered some spectacular scenery.


Part of the trail to Bodie Mine.



Great views of the Southern Bradshaws.


Spotted this guy on the hike to the dam site. I have a thing for dead trees, I guess.


Drainage culvert, one of the very few reminders that the dam was ever there.


We spotted this guy getting a little sun on the way back to the trucks.


My trusty and faithful hiking boots finally gave it up on the way back from the dam site. They served me well for about 8 years.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

FR 41: Dec, 2009

We had Jacki's 6 month check up coming up in a few days, and we were afraid the doctor would tell us that she shouldn't do off-road trips anymore. So we decided to call some friends and set up a trail run before it was officially to late to do any runs. We met up with our friend Bryan and Wil from Sierra Expeditions. Once we were aired down we headed for the Verde River. This trail offers only a couple of challenging sections, but it is good for a day trip and some spectacular scenery. It took a little longer than anticipated due to stops for photo ops and a little goofing off on the great rock formations. A nice lunch under the cottonwoods and then trying to find a way across the river. It was a great day spent with good friends and even got to see a Toyota swim. Lots of fun in deed.



Some of the very interesting rock formations scattered along the trail.


Jacki sitting on top of the world at 6 months pregnant.


Jacki conquering the small hill.


Wil tackling a slightly more challenging hill.


Wil checking the river crossing for us. It's a bit deep for the Montero and Jeep.


Jacki finding a shallow crossing.

And we were right, the doctor told us that we should not be doing any more off-road trips. This was our last trip for a little while.

Remember to always tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron