O.K. So I'll be completely honest. I had my reservations. I had images of what a hostel was supposed to look like, smell like and sound like. Yes, I imagined hippies sitting around smoking well, you know what I thought they would be smoking. I imagined a dirty little place with metal bunk beds and community bathrooms, kind of like camp but worse, way worse. I imagined people in green jump suits walking around making sure my lunch was organic, vegan and "waste free."
Boy was I wrong. Once I finally found the place, settled down and had an attitude adjustment I was completely amazed by how wrong I was. The hostel we stayed in was an old army hospital building that's over a 100 years old. Right up my alley, even though I thought it was going to be super creepy at night. It wasn't. Our very kind, relaxed naturalist did an introduction meeting and told us we would be starting our hike and our first stop would be the visitor center. Great, let the hiking begin because everyone knows how much I looooooovee to hike. Well, lo and behold, this is the visitor center, an old church from the 40's with a steeple and an American flag waving proudly in the breeze. Yes, please. It wasn't even a hike either, more like a little walk.
We sat under this very "wicked" eucalyptus tree while he continued our discussion on nature. Yes, the naturalist referred to a tree as wicked. I thought that was outlawed, especially in Marin of all places. It's not native, therefore it's baaaaaaaaaddddd... Whatever. I don't think the Australians would call this tree wicked. I think it's beautiful. I have to say though, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion we had. I always appreciate a balanced viewpoint.
The visitor center had wonderful exhibits that could be touched and explored. Oh, and it had coffee, hot, free coffee. How did they know? One of my favorite visitor centers so far.
Here's the front of that beautiful old church. This was my view as we discussed trees and the land we were about to explore. This area was used by the government as a base. A "blessing in disguise." Since the government owned the land it was easy to change hands to another department of the government to be used as a reserve, a protected area. Glad that happened.
Now, we would start our hike. I figured it would get bad now. Again, wrong. We came across this sign. I smiled. How would you avoid frogs on the road while in a car? Very thoughtful though.
Our sweet naturalist drew this map for us. It's where we're going and in what order. Absolutely love it!
We walked to a little area that is protected by brush and trees and the girls were given nets and frisbies and told to explore. They found bugs and all kinds of critters.
Oh, and that naturalist I keep referring to? His name is Eric and the girls loved him. He was so patient and kind and when each girl took her turn crying for one reason or another throughout the day, he would stop and offer to help. I was moved by his compassion and his desire to teach in a gentle way.
This was my favorite plant-the lizard head bush. You can see for yourself why it's called that. I like things that make sense.
Each girl had her turn to learn about a plant and then tell the other girls about it. A professor walk. Genius.
Learning was fun that day. Being together was fun that day. Being outdoors was fun that day.
We learned to listen to trees. You can hear the water rushing through the branches of this one. It's a very thirsty tree. You guessed it, the "wicked" tree. I loved it.
And what is this jewel that I see before me? A beach? Oh my. Absolutely beautiful view from the hilltop.
While the girls and other adults traveled on down to the beach, I had to stop and take it all in, with my camera of course.
My girl was excited to get to the beach, even if she was bundled up. Hey, it's a California beach in February. It's what you do.
Wait, what's that? A jellyfish? Are you sure you want to run barefoot on the beach now?
How could you not?
All I could do was stand there and take pictures it was so beautiful.
The girls had fun running from the waves. Hurry!
Although, once she saw the jellyfish she drew a circle around her feet and stood in that spot.
Again, more beauty.
This was the view on the way back. We didn't go back the way we came and I love that. I don't really enjoy hikes that take you back the way you came. I prefer loop hikes. Who am I kidding, I don't really like hikes but I liked this one.
There's our hostel in the back corner. What an amazing day. I was wrong on so many levels and for that I am so very thankful.
The entire experience was wonderful and I am so glad I had the opportunity to enjoy it. In our quest to teach our children new things, we are also allowed the opportunity to grow and learn as well. I did that on this trip.
A certain someone felt that it was very important to have a date and not just any date. He had an idea of what his prom should look like and he was not happy when it looked like it was going to all fall apart. But this girl, she was a sight for sore eyes. Simply stunning.
To make it even more special, Sam and Sami came too. Marcus and Sami are 4 months apart and raised like brother and sister instead of just cousins. They've always had a special bond and we adore her boyfriend Sam. It's like having a twin of Marcus. Most of the time that's great. Most of the time.
It was fun to watch these two. A perfect lady and a gentlemen. Both of my sons made me very proud that night.
DJ B and MC Matt were in the house! These two make a great team.
I never get tired of seeing these two together.
It was definitely a night to remember and I am so thankful to belong to such a wonderful homeschool community. Great things happen when parents come togther to make something happen for their kids. These kids know that.
