Boyz in the Hood

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE

After two days of new hikes I was back to the familiar terrain of La Quinta today. But to make it seem new again I took my son, Nikolas, and some boys from the neighborhood.

We start at the La Quinta flood control basin. It's like a gateway to another world for these kids. We'll soon leave the concrete completely behind.

We make our way up a little draw and Johnnie says he saw a rat run into a hole. I think it was probably an Antelope Ground Squirrel but it's a rat to him.

Taking the boys out to climb on some rocks is like putting a fish in water.

Maybe I should have told them not to touch the cactus. I figured they'd have known that but I guess not.

These guys feel right at home here and while a lot of the country is buried under snow we have a perfect day for a hike.

I get the strange feeling I'm about to get ambushed.

We are headed up to the watering hole in the canyon to see if there is still any water or maybe we'll get lucky and spot an animal. Nik is ready in case we come across a mountain lion or coyote.

There's still water here almost two weeks after the last rain but Kahlua is the only one to enjoy it. The boys think it looks a little too much like pee to want to take a drink. Of course, if they were really thirsty they might not care but we're close enough to home that they will wait until we can get some clean water. I really enjoy taking the boys out so they can see what kind of things their neighborhood has to offer.

Neighborhood Watch

DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE

I had no idea where I'd hike today. I got off work this afternoon and wondered where on earth to go. I didn't have much time and it was pretty warm so my selection was limited. Upon arriving home I found that I'd be doing a hike I had not even considered. The reason? A bunch of neighbor kids wanted to go along. So due to that, I went on the trails right by my house.

These boys' parents sure are lucky to have me for a neighbor. They are going to have over an hour of peace and when the boys get home they'll probably be tired and want to go to bed early tonight. I wonder if I can get them to return the favor sometime?

Along the hike today are (from left to right) Markus, Steven, Jakob (standing), Erik, Eddie, Johnnie and Kahlua.

We're going where?

For the entire course of this hike, the two six year olds, Johnnie and Markus, lead the way. Want to solve the energy crisis? Figure out a way to harness the power of a six year old.

We hike over to the golf course but it's getting late so don't let the boys explore the hillside for stray golf balls. Also, with this many boys along I don't want one of them to wonder off too far and slip on the rocky hillside.

Even though we didn't find any golf balls, we did find this flag that someone put up on the hillside for some reason. And, no guys, we can't take it with us.

So we plant it in the hillside and leave it for someone to shoot at. This is definitely a par 5.

Someone has built another rock circle up on this trail. I wonder if they're thinking of putting a new tee box up here?

I'm king of the hill!

The boys don't want to but we have to head back to civilization.

But not before they slide down a hill on the seat of their pants. I'll tell their parents I'm sorry if they get any holes. It's a small price to pay for a little peace and quiet.