Sunday, October 24, 2010

THE FALL BREAK MYSTERY TRIP...

We decided since our kids all had the same fall break (small miracle!) that we should do something together as a family. That quickly fizzled as our daughter told us she had already made plans.

WHAT? You mean you have your own life now? Without us?

So we looked at all the options within an 8 hour drive of our lovely home. Found an interesting sounding thing in the mountains of New Mexico...

A LLAMA TREK!

Yep. Llamas. We decided NOT to tell the boys. We were a little afraid they might make other plans too, if they knew what we were planning! Not really. Both of them enjoy hiking and stuff. But would you believe we really haven't camped as a family??? It's true. We have each individually had different kinds of camping experiences, but never together. (Too many Marriott points to use from my husband's travel - Yea, I know, it's tough)

Anyway, we spent 3 days and 2 nights with 6 llamas and a guide in the Rio Grande Gorge. It was more like a camping trip with llamas along to tote all the gear. But we did learn their names, got to feed them and lead them through the gorge. We thoroughly enjoyed our guide. He was a Llama handler, science teacher, and gourmet cook all rolled up into one! He's been doing wilderness treks in this area for 19 years. Great guy! I would totally recommend him to anyone. Let me know if you want his name. Here's some pics from the fun:
Beautiful fall colors in New Mexico!
So after meeting our guide here for our trek, he made a change of plan so we wouldn't have to camp in the snow!
Our guide with our son on the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge!
Llama fun...
Of course he got wet
Showing us petroglyphs near our campsite!
Family pic in front of LaJunta peak

8 comments:

Elizabeth Mullins said...

That sounds incredibly fun! I love your spontaneity and adventure!!! I bet they won't EVER forget that!!!

Lori said...

Glad your adventure was fun and that you did not have to camp in the snow!!!

The 5 Arbuckle's said...

What an experience! It's to early for snow. One of my sons would have gotten wet also.

Michelle said...

How fun! We stayed in a Marriott...in a big city!

Lori said...

I'm so glad you got to take this trip and yes, every family should camp together at least once. I remember seeing a video series with Paul Faulkner and he said that! It's true.....very close!

Lindsay said...

Your trip sounds so interesting! I've been fascinated by llamas and alpacas ever since my mission trip to Peru four years ago. What fun memories you made!

Gena said...

This is the best mini vacation EVER! I love, love, love this idea.

OK Chick said...

I've never seen this part of NM. It looks like everyone had a great time. I went on a trip as well. My family has found that Fall Break is a great time for us to travel.