Mom and Norm Visit

During Quinn's spring break during March, Grandma Pat and Grandpa Norm came down from Sacramento to babysit so Scott and Wendy wouldn't have to take time off work. We had a GREAT time hanging out. Quinn went to the zoo, Legoland, and spent lots of time playing at the local parks. We even had an Easter egg hunt. One of our best adventures, though, was going over to Palm Canyon for a hike among the wild flowers.

We started off with a picnic lunch and then headed up the trail.

The ocotillo (below) were blooming... As were the beavertail cactus (above) and the barrel cactus (below)

Although the weather report predicted temps in the 60s and 70s it actually turned into a 90 degree day. Whew!

Quinn made it 2/3s of the way up the trail and then we decided to send him back to cool down and rest. Grandma and Grandpa kept going...

At the top of the trail is a palm oasis with a waterfall. A breath of cool green in the desert.

Then we had to stop at Julian on the was home for some pie and ice cream. Life is good.

Cuyamaca Rancho

A late winter camping trip in the mountains of east San Diego County. We were joined by our friends Odie and Suzanne. Other friends, the Family Martin, could not make it due to last minute responsibilities (next time!). It was typical late winter camping; beautiful days and freezing nights. Odie and Suzanne brought a great fish taco dinner. Thanks guys! Let' do it again soon. Perhaps less driving around next time?

Cuyamaca was devastated by the Cedar Fire in 2003. This area used to be heavily forested. Now, most of the trees are dead skeletons. The view of Stonewall Mountain is more clear now, however.

The understory is making a brisk revival. Wendy thinks the dominant understory shrub is Palo Verde.

On Sunday we made a long and arduous trek to Borrego Springs to view the wildflowers. We were probably about a week early...but were not entirely skunked. This field of wildflowers was on the north end of the Town of Borrego Springs. Just on the edge of the State Park. By the time we got there the wind was absolutely howling. This was a preview of the night to come.

That night we were awakened by a windstorm that bent and swayed our little tent until finally one of the pegs came out of the ground. Scott got up and reset the tent peg, but eventually, the wind knocked the whole thing over and tore a hole in our rain fly. On the way down, we saw the trucks being held up by the CHP for the high wind advisory.

Some hike pictures: