From the Caves to Tree Tops

After the Moaning Cavern Tour we drove another 20 minutes to Big Trees National Park. The cracks in these trees are large enough to swallow a few people. If you want to see how an ant feels go to Big Trees. The North trail is magnificent and easy enough for a family with small children......so we did the South Trail. The South Trail is equally beautiful and a bit less crowded, but offers a more authentic hiking experience. This picture is taken on the North Trail.

Stanislaus River flows through Big Trees making for some good fishing or just taking a dip. Beware, the water is freeeezing:) That didn't stop Shanen.

Part of what makes this place so incredible is the evidence left over by fire and lightning. These trees left standing are a testament to the forces of nature.

The trip outdoors ended on a high note atop a "big stump". A special thanks to Dan Parks for helping lead the outing. On the way home we hit Round Table Pizza and looked forward to relaxing after an active day. The next campout will be on June 12-13, an overnight campout to Horsetail Falls.

Moaning Down the Cavern

Down Highway 49 and at the beginning of Highway 4 there are a number of caves to explore. We went to Moaning Cavern to find the famed "cave monster". All I found was a couple of bats. The tour started in the gift shop where they had some remnants of a few people who had taken the " 7 second tour" to the bottom of the cave. The oldest bones are 12,000 years old.

The "perilous" journey into the belly of the cave was made possible by a staircase built from a world war 1 battleship.

This sea monster like formation is the size of a 2 story building, but because of the lack of natural light and shadows, it only looks about 8-10 feet tall. They call it the igloo.

If this group doesn't frighten you, you are one brave soul.

Summer Activities Planning Party

On May 21st we had a planning party for this summer's activities. I was really impressed with what the boys came up with. They came up with a lot of fun things to do (obviously) but they also put some serious thought into service projects that will benefit both our ward and community. After plans were made it was BBQ and pool time. Here for your viewing pleasure are your very own Oakridge Teachers doing the "Triple Chicken Stack"! Awesome!!!

There is a point to every activity. Sometimes the most important point can be making better friends, hangin' out by the fire, and enjoying the art of the perfectly roasted marshmallow.