Hiking to the top of Black Butte

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richardson's Rock Ranch & Smith Rock

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, the day after Nate's birthday, we took advantage of some great suggestions from Dave: Richardson's Rock Ranch to hunt for thunder eggs, and then hiking the rim of Smith Rock park. We ended up with 60 lbs of agate (half of which were cut) and one VERY dirty car. 

Nate's 9th Birthday

 

 

 

 

Nate's birthday plans of rock mining at Richardson's Rock Ranch was delayed due to morning rains, so we switched to Plan B: visiting a "jumpy house" gym in Bend and then buying a Boston Cream Pie cake before heading back to the cabin for presents (pocket knife, programmable robot set, Nerf gun - purchased thanks to Grandpa & Grandma). The rest of the evening was spent shooting water bottle targets and going online to buy the Lord of the Rings book set from Amazon with Uncle Dave & Chris' gift certificate. 

Black Butte Ranch: Hanging out with family

 

 

 

 

It seemed like the day would never come, but we finally found ourselves in Black Butte Ranch and had one of the best vacations ever. Lots of tennis, swimming, eating, biking, games, and just plain hanging out on decks and catching up with family. The pools were busy with the heat, but the rains held off as we bounced between activities. A great family get-together!

Black Butte Ranch: Riding Bikes & Playing Games

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Butte Ranch: Swim & Tennis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer 2012 Trip

 

 

We're off! Complete with bikes in tow, we drove due north to first find a Father's Day hiking trail on Mt. Shasta, only to find unmarked roads. We continued to our first night in Ashland, did a quickie hike through the main downtown creek park, and then met a "gold Shakespeare" on our way to the Standing Stone Brewery. The performer showed his appreciation for Nate's donation by presenting the quote: 

"Best souls are molded out of faults and for the most become much more the better for having been a little bit bad."

Hazel Atlas Mine Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nate requested a small gathering of three friends from school before, and he chose a hike and tour into the Hazel Atlas Mines in the Black Diamond park 35 minutes from Lafayette. It so happened to coincide with the hottest day of the year -- 105 at the park, but our hikers had to bring coats for the 65 degree cave tour. One friend got a little nervous going in and had to leave with his dad. So with hard hards and flashlights, the remaining explorers did the guided tour of the silica (used for glass making during 30's & 40's) tunnels and stopes and then headed home for ice cream cake & presents.