The Elfin Forest

This week's field trip took us to Los Osos to the Elfin Forest. Nope, no Elves here (to Benjamin's dismay), but there is mile-long wooden track that took us through this "forest" with spectacular views of the marshlands and estuary by Morro Bay. All along the path are signs like this one with facts about the animals or plants, and a story told by a Chumash Indian girl. Each story told about what her family ate or where they would sleep or how they would hunt- the boys were riveted. They loved the idea of sleeping outdoors and can't wait to go camping with Dad for the first time. We are signing them up for 4-H in the fall, and they are both joining a camping and outdoors group (Oh, James got the court job so he will be home every weekend for a whole year starting in May! All their camp outs are on the weekends, and they are going to have a ball!).

You can see Morro Rock way in the distance. For some reason my boys are obsessed with Morro Rock. Ben asked if there was any rock in the world as big as Morro Rock.

Emma liked the outing too!

Off the track were several groves. This one was our favorite. We could just imagine the Chumash Indians huddled in one of these groves building huts out of the Pygmy Oaks that grow here.

We ended our day with a trek down the Embarcadero, and dinner out at one of our favorite cafes in Morro Bay. Pretty perfect day!

March 10, 2011