Climbing Mt. Kwaay Paay

As you can see, the adventure began at Mt. Kwaay Paay (ll94'-Kumeyaay is the word for Chief or Captain) today which is located at Mission Trails Regional Park. We have been there once before, however the kids loved it so much, we decided to go back. If I wanted to do something in nature that's steeped in history, this was it! 

The rocks at Mission Trails record 130 million years of geological events!

We were excited to climb today and think of Daddy as this is something he wanted to come back to do also. He loves hiking! As we looked out at the view, we wished he was with us.

On our hike, Mr. Matt took the lead... he didn't want it to end. We saw two bunnies, lizards(Belding's Orange-Throated Whiptails), a runaway snake, fellow dog walkers, hikers, runners, several birds including the rare, Bell's Vireo and yes, I swear we heard rattling-twice! 

We were careful to stay on the path so as to help protect the natural habitat that surrounded it. 

Later, we went to the Visitors Centre which has an Interpretive Educational section as well as local art and beautiful views. The boys loved this place and again wish to go back. 

This is a real benefit to being here for a longer period of time as it provides us with an opportunity to go back to a place on several occasions. Each time you learn or see something you hadn't seen before. Plus, it shows you that you don't need to go to a place that touts a million attractions-all you need is a few really cool ones to keep you busy! Also, when we arrived and had been walking, the kids commented on how they were so happy to not have to pay to hike a mountain. :)

So, after we do some more of those daily tasks I spoke about yesterday, perhaps we'll go back to Mission Trails ... it has really been worth it and it's soooo close to us.