the hike

We are surrounded by a rugged, low mountain desert terrain; hiking trails outside our front door. So, last Saturday, we went up one.
Michael led the way, after substantial whining. We don't have the treat-motivator worked out yet, so our only recourse is verbal: "Do it! No turning back. Get up!" But when Michael saw a mountain of rocks, he went into overdrive. Then it was our turn to whine: "Too high. We don't have the right shoes. Jack can't do it."

But we did do it.

This little cave offered cool shade.
and a vista.

Michael looks out at the Conejo Valley where we live, but if you continued further, you'd see Simi Valley, site of the Reagan Library and where Jack Bauer ("24" show) seemed to be driving a lot.

My own bias and limitation is that hiking = alpine forest, so this dry desert stuff is not my thing, but our 6 year old forced us into new territory. I wondered later where else my 6 year old's enthusiasm would carry us.