I read the cars section of the newspaper (Arizona Republic) because they feature nice drives around the state. I always hope it will be somewhere around where I live and finally they had one. It featured Historic Fort Bowie that was only a forty minute drive. So we planned a trip there with a picnic lunch. Pa, Nona, Ashlee and my whole family went together in two cars.
We are at the trailhead enjoying a our picnic when Zaynzley falls of off the bench and bumps her head on the cement. Poor thing was understandably shook up. I just love Nona's face in this photo as she sees her go overboard. Ashlee and Archy are blissfully unaware. Pa, of course, is reading the information board.
Nona brought some subway sandwiches and I made pimento, green olive & cheese sandwiches we also had chips & carrot chips. I prefer using vintage tins than tupperware when going on a picnic they are so cute and you can pick them up really cheap. I also got to use my retro melamine plates. I think I need to make a really long table cloth we had to use two because the table was so long. It was a beautiful sunny day slightly cool in the shade. Everyone was in really good spirits looking forward to an adventure.
Declan, McCoy (shocked expression), and Zany enjoying the sun.
We gather at the trailhead preparing for our 1.5 mile hike (one way)
Declan and Pa hiking
Here is our group as we hike along the trail was narrow so we mostly walked single file. There were various speeds some of our group was faster and some enjoyed a more leisurely pace.
Quinton & Declan take a rest at a bench that Pa said was to low for him to consider sitting down upon.
I pushed Zany in the stroller and we carried it over the steep parts.
Halfway there was a nice cemetery that had quite a few graves of civilians who died at the Fort. The soldiers bodies were once buried there but later moved to the San Francisco National Cemetery.
Many died in skirmishes with the Apache Indians.
Zany walked halfway to the fort 3/4 of a mile she loved to walk by Pa and say in a high sharp voice, "Pa, Pa then some gibberish words. It was really cute. She really loves Pa.
There were various stops with plaques that told about ruins and what former purpose they served. Pa holding Zany & Eddy stop to read one.
A replica WigWam that the Apache Indians used in winter. In summer they just lived under a ramada, the structures were temporary so they could leave to follow prey or escape danger.
We all had a jolly time in the wigwam.
What a toasty fire!
Pa surrounded by admirers.
It was a really pretty hike and the weather couldn't have been nicer. The boys really enjoyed getting to run along the trail. I couldn't believe we had such a cool national historic site right in our backyard and none of us had ever been there before. The national parks service is such a great program what an excellent way to spend the day with family!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope you find a lucky leprechaun!!
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