Death Valley 2009

The cousins on the dunes.

We arrived back home last night after spending one glorious week in Death Valley. It was hard to come back and I actually felt a little glum about returning to the cold, gray weather and all the household chores. Same old thing.

But at least the trip was wonderful. We were able to do several full day hikes with the boys while Ember rode along in the backpack. Beck hiked on his own two feet and Yogi did some of each. It's so exhilarating to be outside, traveling along the trail, all that big sky stretching out forever, away from people and cars and noise. I could've easily stayed a few more weeks - especially since it took a few days to calm down after all the stress of packing and preparing for the trip.

There were some precious moments: of silence, of sun on skin, the gravelly voice of ravens, wind in Junipers, the smell of Mesquite, the night sky full of stars, firelight on the kids' faces. I want more of all that! And I think there's a part of me that needs more of it.

As soon as we get the photos organized we'll post a bunch - maybe even a slide show!