Explorers Day

Last Monday (commonly known as Columbus Day but we know he did not discover America) we all had the day off together so we went for a paddle in our newly acquired canoe. We have discovered the barter section of Craig's list and have been able to trade a couple things we don't need/use for 2 canoes that we have been wanting! We hope to go canoe camping next year.

Scout helps daddy launch our canoe. We went to Great Pond in Eastham. We chose it because it would only be a 2 mile paddle around the edge and we could shoot right back to the truck if Scout decides she isn't having fun. To our delight we discovered Wiley park directly across from our put in. There was a beach, playground, bathrooms and picnic tables. The perfect half way spot for Scout to get out have lunch, potty and play. Great Pond is the largest kettle pond on the Cape.

The canoe gives Scout a lot more room to move then the kayak. Scout and Michelle had the front. We cut a soft cushion out of a pool float that we found at the dump (brand new). Then we added some items on strings, a net, a "paddle" (actually a tiny hockey stick), a small boat and a bucket full of rocks and pine cones. This provided lots of entertainment as well as the bird watching, which she always enjoys.

And finally we had PERFECT weather for a perfect day.

Rain...what rain

Four days of rain doesn't deter Scout, we are outside anyway. We dress for the weather and out we go...she insists!

Mackenzie gave Scout her outgrown kitchen. We put it out in the sandbox, what a hit! "COOK, COOK" is what we hear when she is inside. She wants to go out and play in her kitchen. She is spending a lot of time in the big sandbox we have been constructing (all from found materials).

Stennis is testing the new dock just put in for the tug boat.

Hidden Hollow

Scout and I rode our bike (20 miles round trip) to Heritage Museums and Gardens here in Sandwich. Last week was the opening of the new Hidden Hollow play area for children. Each week is a different educational theme, this week was insects. There is a water area, sand area, blocks, music, gardens, climbing, building, story/gathering area, stage and amphitheatre complete with costumes. Everything is made with natural materials. It is fabulous and we highly recommend it! There are also organized activities and events and classes held there. Scout spent some time in each area, exploring and then moving on to another area. We had a great time and can't wait to go back with Daddy. We used a pass from the library to get in for half price.

Compost tumbler

Scout saw this waterfall from the trail above..."OOOOHH" and wanted to go down to see it.

Swallowtail butterfly

Scout got these great hiking boots for her birthday and finally fits into them!

Stopping for a drink before heading down into Hidden Hollow

Beautiful carved toad"stools"

As always she is attracted to the water area. Carved wooden bowl.

Watering the strawberries.

Why not just lie down in the pool of water?!

Cool block area!

Checking out the bugs.

Scout climbed the steep hill to the play with the BIG kid. Scarves hanging in the trees allow the kids to make hammocks and forts and what ever their imagination can dream up,

Naturally a sand box.

This dragonfly was very friendly.

This wooden walkway connected each of the play areas.

Scout spots the dragonfly.

Stopping for a snack.

Getting ready to head back home.

Nature girl

I always love the nature girl shots. We spend so much time outdoors, thats where we all like to be.

Scout visiting Satinka. If we are working up by the barn she will always, at some point, decide to take a walk down to visit the horses and chickens. As soon as she gets to the gate she waves her hand and yells "HI" to the horses.

Scout and Little giving kisses.

Filling up the horses water. Scout is a good chore helper.

Visiting the chickens taking a dust bath.

Playing in the barn with the chickens. Some of them like to come here to lay their eggs.