A bit of rain, a Christmas tree and our first snow!

We ended last week with a lot of rain, over four inches in two days.  It was very needed, now that we live in a very high fire danger area(we can't even get renters insurance it's so high) you realize the importance of the rain.  Hartland has a dam on the creek that runs through camp to create a pond for canoeing, they usually drain the pond in mid October to prevent flooding from rains or rapid snow melt.  This year it wasn't emptied until this week.  The pond is a reservoir for extra water in case of forest fires in the area.   Things you don't think about until you live in an area that requires planning ahead.  Now there is a nice creek running through camp that Zane is very excited to explore; lots of mud to play in. 

                                                   The dam open and draining the pond


With all the rain Zane found another hobby he enjoys; riding his bike through puddles!!  We did this multiple times a day in the past week, just a few loads of extra laundry.  Everyday Zane wants to go for a "walk."  This means I walk and he rides his bike and we go everywhere.  One day I measured our distance, total over three walks we did 3.5 miles in a day.  Now most days aren't that long but we easily average 1.5 miles a day. 

                                                   Biking in puddles with Pop

                                                   Getting "stuck" in the mud

Last Wednesday, when it was pouring down rain, we went to find a Christmas tree.  In the past it has been a family tradition to head into the National Forest with a permit and cut down a tree.  The closest National Forest to us where you are able to do that is over 4 hours away.  So we had permission to cut one down on the property and we trekked through the woods and found the perfect tree.  We were a bit soggy by the time we got home and the tree sat on a large tarp in the living room to dry off.  Zane had a great time helping decorate the tree, espcecially Casey's ornaments that are made of yarn and get thrown on the tree(another great family tradition). 

                                                 

On Saturday we had our first snow at Hartland.  It only amounted to about an inch but all the kids had a great time sledding and playing in the snow.  And Zane figured out puddles and snow is another great combination. 

                                                   The drained pond with our first snow

Adventures in the Big Trees

Well I decided to do the blog thing.  It's the easiest way for me to post updates on our family and the adventures we embark on.  Since we just moved to a new state, we have so many things to explore including our new place of residence, Hartland Christian Camp.

In the first month here we have headed up into the Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park multiple times.  It is a just a short drive down the road if you don't mind a rough high clearance road!  If you go the long way and stay on the paved roads it takes over an hour.  About four miles down the road from our home is the first giant Sequoia tree at about 15 feet across at the base.  Then you head into the first grove of Sequoias, they are truly magnificent trees.

                                                         Giant Sequoia tree

We explored the Grant Grove, home to the General Grant tree, the second largest tree by volume in the world.  There are many large trees in the grove and a few that have fallen over and you can walk through them.  One has been down for over 150 years and the military used it as a stable for a short time.

                                                           Inside a fallen tree

                                                  Family photo in front of the General Grant tree

                                                          General Grant Tree

On Casey's birthday we hiked to the top of Big Baldy.  A 4.4 mile round trip to the top of a large granite dome at 8,209 feet elevation.  Zane loved climbing all over the rocks and hiked himself to the top and rode in the carrier part of the way back down.  We also checked out Buck Rock fire lookout, but it was closed for the season(and adventure for the spring).  It is located on top of a large rock with a fun stair route to get to the top.

                                                  At the top of Big Baldy

                                             Buck Rock fire lookout


We are also settling into our new home and Casey into his new job.  Zane is enjoying his new friends and is constantly outside playing, so many sticks to play with and holes to dig.

Until next time.  May God bless you with a wonderful Thanksgiving.