...Keeps the Forseth family happy.
Today, in anticipation of slightly cooler weather, we finally ventured out for an Arizona hike. Our first since, I don't know, May, I think. We rolled out of bed at around 6:45. I really need to get to bed earlier in the evening. The boys rolled into my bed around 6:15, so no real sleep occurred past that point. Nevertheless, we managed to feed ourselves, pack water and snacks, get dressed and out the door by 7:30am. Not too bad!
After a short journey of 45 minutes, we arrived at Boyce-Thompson Arboretum. Originally we hoped to go to the Sonoran Desert museum in Tuscon, but the distance and the heat compelled us to look a little closer. Plus, Boyce has lovely shade throughout the hiking trails, so we were assured of staying cool.
On our hike we, for the first time, heard a rattlesnake. At first I was questioning whether my ears heard correctly, but that characteristic rattle-pause-rattle occurred. Then silence. It was down the hill from the hiking trail, so not too close in proximity, thank goodness. We walked on, listening carefully, but had no other adverse animal encounters on the path. Instead we viewed numerous lizards and butterflies throughout the arboretum. Both boys were enamored with each animal they saw, as well as the various holes we crossed on the path. Brandon was even convinced that a small dug-out cave on the side of the cliff was the perfect size for a tortoise. Never mind he would struggle to get up to the entrance. Noah declared his love for the rock steps ascending the mountain and insisted on hiking each one on his own.
Enjoying the outdoors with family is such a gift.
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