A glimpse of our adventures

[caption id="attachment_1239" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A Grand Oak Tree at the Fountainbleau Park"][/caption]

The majestic oaks throughout much of Florida State Parks to Louisiana left a special and wonderful impression. I admire them immensely. Their elegance is unparalleled. They embellish those gardens of those lucky enough to have them. Their massive trunks towering the streets, with sphagnum moss draping down like silky gnome beards. The branches sweep down providing a wonderful play area for children and those chattering squirrels, feasting so well on those sweet acorns.

[caption id="attachment_1241" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lake Pontchartrain - Fountainbleau Park. Louisiana"][/caption]

The fascinating swamp lined along the Lake Pontchartrain is home to many alligators! While strolling along the shore, the children found many mussels in the water.  They collected the vacant ones to keep as treasures.

[caption id="attachment_1255" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A day visit to the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1253" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Adobe Buildings in Santa Fe, New Mexico"][/caption]

I wish we had spent more time in the city of Santa Fe.  A charming little city where most if not all the homes and building were of adobe-like architecture..even McDonalds!.  The buildings seem to be restricted to two stories only, no high rises in sight -  lovely to revel the beautiful blue sky and famous fluffy clouds of New Mexico.

[caption id="attachment_1221" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pecos, A sweet little place along a stream in N. Mexico"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1220" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Stream by Pecos. New Mexico"][/caption]

We found this charming little place deep in the forest of Pecos in the New Mexico Mountains.  The air was chilly because we were at 7800 feet in a valley.  The children fished a little (didn't catch anything) and frolicked along the waters edge.

[caption id="attachment_1216" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Children fascinated by the smoke coming out the chimney after the fire they made"][/caption]

We collected fire wood and made a little fire in a charming wood hut which had a chimney place. We snuggled and enjoyed the warmth of the fire reminiscing our adventures.

[caption id="attachment_1246" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Heron Lake State Park, New Mexico"][/caption]

Magnificent Mountains and their creative powers as they sculptor the earth.

[caption id="attachment_1247" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Heron Lake, New Mexico"][/caption]

The children throwing rocks into the stillness of the lake, forming ringlets in the water.

[caption id="attachment_1248" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The children throwing rocks into the water"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1249" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Brotherly love"][/caption]

Sweetness

[caption id="attachment_1250" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mountains in Santa Fe"][/caption]

Red Mountains, Amarillo

[caption id="attachment_1256" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Sania cutting fire wood for our fire"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1257" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="More wood to be cut"][/caption]

My little woodcutters!

[caption id="attachment_1258" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Relaxing in front of the fire"][/caption]

Tired after so much play

[caption id="attachment_1259" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cooking on the fire"][/caption]

Watching the flames as they dance around the cooking pot.

[caption id="attachment_1272" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The children love to cycle the trails every day"][/caption]

We are presently enjoying a beautiful campsite at Lake Heron in New Mexico. The air is fresh, the days are warm and the nights cool.  The perfect temperature!  We remain here for just over a week before venturing onto Colorado.

[caption id="attachment_1275" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Children constructing little forts with the slate stones"][/caption]

We cycle along the rugged trails. The children enjoy skimming slate stones into the lake, collecting fire wood, making forts and preparing meals.  Little time is spared for a bit of road-schooling!