The Best of Circumstances

 

 

Spring Break took us to City of Rocks National reserve for a short but sweet and much needed get-a-way.

 

The nearest town to City of Rocks is Almo, Idaho. We loved Almo! One gas pump and one general store/post office, yet everything you needed! I think I could easily feel "called' to Almo. Beautiful Mountain backdrops and packed with history.

 

Window Arch at City of Rocks National Reserve.

 

 

The view from our campsite.

 

City of Rocks literally looks like an old city of ruins.

 

We were thankful that it wasn't hot summer, and also thankful that we had a nice warm trailer and full hookups in the Smoky Mountain Campground as it had recently snowed and was a nippy 21 degrees for a low, making it all the way up to the mid 50's during the day time.

 

The California Trail ran straight through here and the rocks still hold signatures of many pioneers. They used axel grease to autograph the rock walls and it is beginning to fade.

 

Of course the inner child was alive and well in Rick and he had to show off with a little rock climbing, a sport that is quite popular here in the summer months.

 

 

I loved this directional sign in Almo.

 

This trip was perfect for Kammy who is studying Idaho History this year. The California Trail came right through here, and this monument sets on the site of a horrible indian massacre where out of 300 immigrants, only five survived. 

 

 

Some of my very favorite boys right there! At one point Kaderick sighed and said, "These are the BEST of circumstances!" He had so much fun! Really we all did...just to slow down and enjoy one another. Maybe just my opinion, but I think camping is the best way to keep your family close and bonded.

 

This is the ruins of a pioneer family home.

 

Since things will be very busy from now through Easter, we took eggs along with us to color. We call these "Easter eggs, Idaho style." They are hard boiled and then nearly frozen. lol.

 

 

Coffee and games were abundant.

 

And physical activity was plentiful as well, when the sun shone!

 

In the sunny afternoons, we opened the back of the trailer and enjoyed its warm rays, getting our share of vitamin D!

 

 

Home Sweet Home!

 

The pictures are seriously out of order, but this was where we stopped for one night on the way home. Three Island Crossing State Park. A spot on the Oregon Trail this time. Where three islands converge on the mighty Snake River and many pioneers made the dangerous crossing.

 

The girls warming at the fire and Kade with his ever-present "snake and mountain lion fighting stick," He and Rick saw some tracks and Kaderick said, "Those either belong to a mountain lion or a very spoiled chihuahua

 

 

Elephant Rock. This was Kaite's favorite rock formation.

 

Bread Loaf Rock. The dive up here was definitely 4wd! Fun times.

 

Somehow we ended up with lots of pictures of this little mountain man.

 

We were just soaking up the last few minutes of the last night out. No laundry or dishes or anything for momma to hop up and do.

 

S'mores were his favorite part.

 

First trip in the new camper is in the books! Camp trip #35 has been recorded in our camping journal and in our memories forever! Thank you Jesus, and thank you daddy for your investment in these precious lives!