Mojave Resort

Fifteen years ago I was traveling to Palm Desert for a new store opening.  My company booked the Mojave resort for my accommodations.  Since that trip I have stayed nowhere else.  This hotel is truly an oasis in a desert full of chain hotels.  When you arrive at the Mojave and you are sitting in their courtyard you are able to get away from the world and sit in piece and quiet enjoying the serenity of the inner grounds surrounding you.

Each room has a small porch with two chairs and a table.  At night an employee walks the grounds turning on the porch lights to enjoy during the evening hours.  It is the perfect place to sit and have a glass of wine, enjoy dinner or as I once did answer emails.  The serenity of this location makes you feel like you are in lost in a world all of its own.  

Now that I have a child I look at the direct access to the pool in a whole new light.  To have the ability to give your child just enough freedom to where you are sitting on the porch as they swim makes them feel so grown up and entertains them as you have just a small amount of time to yourself.

Some rooms feature kitchenettes which can be requested upon booking and puts that extra touch of necessity after a long day of travels and adventures.  Mojave Resort is located centrally in Palm Desert so you can easily access The Living Desert, El Paseo, and the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument making it the perfect location to rest your head at night.  Each morning they offer a small breakfast bar with just enough to get you out the door without having to fix your own.

At the end of the day I will continue to return to the Mojave Resort and hope that my son will build memories here as I have in the past fifteen years.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Junior Ranger Program

Previous to arriving I printed the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Junior Ranger Program to give us a head start on our Exploration Notebook.  To earn your Junior Ranger Badge you must complete the same amount of pages as your age, in addition to visiting the touch table and being able to list three items you saw to a Ranger.  Let me just start off by saying this is a twenty-three page book that goes into a lot of detail for a younger child it is overwhelming.  Even though it is not required to complete the entire book since we are utilizing the Junior Ranger book as curriculum we usually try to attempt to complete the entire book.  So that Jaxon would not get discouraged we broke this book up into three sections.  Prior to our visit we were able to pull out, discuss and complete ahead of time pages 6, 7, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20 and 22.  These pages included activities such as puzzle solving, crossword puzzles, we discussed our ancestors, where the Sonoran Desert is located, explored pottery and mazes just to name a few.  This gave us a great opportunity to lay a strong foundation and have an idea of what to expect upon our arrival.  We also included the wonderful pop up book Ancient Dwellings of the Southwest, which was a great conclusion to our trip since it contained a great deal of the locations we had previously visited .  Since this location was the first United States archeological preserve a great majority of the Junior Ranger book is teaching the children how to investigate in the same as an archeologist might.  Prior to entering the National Monument we read all of our safety tips for exploration on page three, and followed by reviewing the map and guide of the location on page four so that we knew where everything was located. 

As we were driving down the small country road we were able to see the towering Casa Grande Ruins in the distance.   It was like nothing we had experienced on our entire trip and immediately our bodies filled with excitement as we pulled into the gate.  No picture could be taken to explain the presence you feel when standing next to the ruins. 

Immediately following our arrival we walked the gardens located directly in front of the visitors center locating each plant and matching their names before proceeding into the museum.  

We then made our way to the theater to watch the film Case Grande: House of Many Stories.  This was a great film to help tell the story of Casa Grande and the people of its past.

During our exploration of the National Monument we carried with us the below scavenger hunt for animals unfortunately we had arrived in the heat of the day and only saw lizards during our visit.

When exploring the Ancestral Sonoran Desert homes I read Jaxon the plaques in front of each home along with the year.  Take note that the dates stated on each plaque actually have nothing to do with placing the houses in order from oldest to newest.  Due to this we got the entire page incorrect.

As you enter the museum on your left you will find a plaque that discusses the native language of the ancient Sonoran Desert people.  This plaque gave us the ability to complete page fourteen completely.

The displays within museum were fantastic and extremely well done which I somehow was overwhelmed and did not capture.  The last page we completed inside the museum was exploring trade clues on page seventeen.  This took some time as we went through the large exhibit discussing each item that they grew and had access to.  Then turned towards the discussion of what trade was and how it worked and then onto some of the items they might have traded.  Since we had not discussed this previously it took us a little bit of time to learn on site.  

After exploring outside we returned to the museum to locate yet another awe inspiring exhibit which incased a model of how the ruins might have looked in the beginning.  We then completed page eighteen of our Junior Ranger packet.

The location was a wonderful experience opening up subjects of exploration, history and preservation.  It was almost as if it was meant to be after a long trip of learning so much history it ended at a location that's main purpose was to explore ruins discovering stories of the past and how to preserve it for generations to come.

Holiday Inn Express Silver City

During our vist to Gila Cliff Dwellings we choose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express soley based upon the highly rated reviews on their cleanliness and good complimentary breakfast.  After our long day exploring Gila Cliff Dwellings we were all extremely eager to arrive at our hotel.  Upon arrival we entered the lobby to an extremely clean and well kept location with a very small business center off to the corner.

I personally was drawn to the amazing Native American painting that hung on the wall adjacent to the front desk.

We had booked a one King Bed Suite Non-Smoking.  

The room included a sitting area, Keurig coffee pot, microwave and small refrigerator all housed in a small wet bar area for us to prepare our own meals for the evening.

When tired from a long day of exploring it is always nice to end your day in a clean room that is comfortable enough to spread out while everyone cleans up and relaxes their tired feet for the evening.  The Holiday Inn Express in Silver City gives you just that.  Feeling fully rejuvenated when we woke up the next morning we made our way downstairs to make a selection from their great breakfast options.  Soon after we were on our way to our next adventure.

The Stables at Tamaya

Jaxon had always had a love for horses even when his only time to ride was in Griffith Park at the pony rides.  He has always asked to ride more but there are little opportunities for him to do so at his age.  When we arrived at Hyatt Regency Tamaya and realized they had stables on property we were excited until we once again found out the minimum age was seven years old.  I approached the front desk asking if we were able to book a private lesson for Jaxon since he is under the actual trail riding age.  The front desk contacted Tamaya Horse Rehab's owner Connie Collis with my request.  Connie didn't even hesitate to accommodate Jaxon the following day with private lessons.  With great excitement and a little disappointment that we had not brought his wranglers, boots and hat we joined Tamaya Horse Rehab the following day for our first lesson.

During Jaxon's first lesson I found a flyer in the office and while attempting to keep myself occupied while he rode I began to read the story behind Tamaya Stables.  Below is the actual flyer telling the struggles of horses needing help through out New Mexico.  During our visit I met many volunteers helping care for these horses.  It was truly inspiring and if I lived closer I would have probably volunteered my time to help care for these amazing animals in need of help. 

Upon our arrival we met Starlight the horse he would be riding.  Starlight had kind eyes and a loving heart but just enough spunk and mind of her own to keep Jaxon on his toes so he would never be bored.  We also met Jasmine at this time an amazing teacher who was stern enough to keep Jaxon in line but compassionate enough that he felt completely comfortable and wanted to return daily.  If we lived in New Mexico I guarantee we would never be leaving the Tamaya Horse Rehab and Jaxon would have most likely become their youngest volunteer.  

His first day of lessons included him learning how to mount, how to balance and control his body , how to stop and steer the horse and the most important lesson learned at the end of the day is how to show your horse love and appreciation through praise and care.

We returned the following day to spend the day doing obstacle courses that Jasmine had set up.  The activities forced Jaxon to steer the horse while completing a different activity with his arms.  Below you can see him steering Starlight towards the fence as he had to grab the rubber chickens all in a row, collecting them to return to Jasmine.

When we arrived on our last day Jasmine had a surprise waiting for Jaxon.  She had decided he was ready to go on a Trail Ride with everyone else.  To capture the look of excitement and joy on Jaxon's face would never be possible.  He couldn't believe his ears as he climbed up onto Starlight and followed Jasmine out of the stables on his first Trail Ride grinning from ear to ear.  

Jaxon's journey to the Rio Grande was the perfect ending to an absolutely amazing experience that could never be repeated nor could he have asked for more.  It saddened me as I watched him struggle to find the words to say goodbye.  

Sometimes in life it is not always about the journey but who we meet along the way.  Who we need in our life at that time and what they bring to us as friends, companions, teachers and human beings.   On this trip Jaxon needed to explore new passions and in the hands of Starlight and Jasmine he found not only a new passion but friends.   Friends he hopes he can return to and see again and again through out his life.  Yet if for some reason he cannot, knowing the impact that they both made on his life is something that no other person could ever repeat and they will forever hold a place in his heart.

Bandelier National Monument Junior Ranger

Our exciting journey through the Indian Reservations opened up a whole new educational experience into the Native American culture.  This laid a great foundation for our entire road trip through the southwest.  As we embarked on the next leg of our trip it brought us even further back in history to Bandelier National Monument.  To take an adventure through the Ancient Pueblon history would fulfill a long time dream of my mother's to climb the many ladders to the top of the Alcove House.

We arrived extremely early so that we were able to drive our own vehicle into the park.   Bandolier National Monument is one of the few monuments that during peak season visitors who arrive during operating hours must ride a mandatory shuttle into the park.  Arriving prior to 9:00 am gave us the opportunity to drive our own vehicle into the park and continue our journey on after Bandolier National Monument through the Jemez Mountain Trail.

Bandelier National Monument is the only park I have currently found that has broken it's Junior Ranger Program into four age groups consisting of Pre K to 1st Grade, 2nd Grade to 3rd Grade, 4th Grade to 6th Grade, and Deputy level being 7th Grade and up.  Offering a different patch for each age group makes it exciting for children to return to the park often embarking on a new adventure each time they return.  We downloaded our booklet at home prior to our visit and will be walking you through our journey of Bandolier National Monument for the Pre K to 1st Grade age group. Before we even set out on our adventure we were able to compete pages 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15.  This taught Jaxon how to respect and protect the monument during our visit, what animals live in the surrounding habitat, and what the ruins would have looked like when the Ancestral Puebloans called them home.  

Prior to our departure we picked up a trail guide at the Visitor's Center for $1.00 to guide us through this small piece of amazing human history.  As we began our journey down the main loop Jaxon kept him self entertained by playing Bandelier Bingo.  

It did not take us long to complete as for every corner we turned we were surrounded by wildlife.  

As you turn the corner looking up at the enormous mountain you see in the distance small holes not yet realizing that each one was eloquently carved out by a human being.

 As we took the 1.2 mile trail it led us past an intact Kiva and through what remained of a small village area before descending up the hill to the base of the cliff dwellings.

 When you reach the base of the cliff dwellings you have the opportunity to climb numerous ladders into a number of the homes that still are intact today.  

When we arrived in front of the Long House we sat on the bench to discuss what the difference was between a petroglyph and a pictograph while completing page 9.  This was Jaxon's first encounter with any form of a petroglyph.  It was the beginning to many new petroglyph discoveries along our quest of learning.  He now studies them with ease trying to put meaning behind each individual picture he finds.

Once we completed the leisure walk around the main loop we returned to the visitor center to walk the gardens and learn how the Ancient Publeon people used each plant in their daily lives. 

When we finished we headed back to the Visitor Center to turn in our completed Junior Ranger Book and be rewarded with an amazing Patch showing the accomplishments of our day learning through the Monuments awe inspiring historical site.

After completing our Junior Ranger Program we set out to conquer the Alcove House.  

The Alcove House trail is 2.7 miles long reaching 140 feet above the canyon.  Which can only be reached by the four sets of steep ladders and stone stairs that take you on a journey from terrace to terrace up the mountain.

In the heat of the day we began our climb.  We were extremely relieved by each terrace we reached stopping to catch our breath and drink some water before resuming our climb to the next knowing we were just a little bit closer each time.

Once we reached the Alcove House we felt a great sense of achievement as we looked down below at the people who choose not to take the challenge.  As they wait at the foot of the mountain for their loved ones they appeared to be ants.  Giving us great perspective on how life must have been for the twenty-five people who once occupied the Alcove House.  The climb they choose to make everyday to fetch water, and gather food.  

Grand Canyon South Rim Junior Ranger Raven Award

So I would like to start off by explaining that this National Park has two Junior Ranger Programs, North and South Rim.  Our adventures will only take us to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon this trip.  The Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Booklets are not available online you must pick them up at a ranger station once you arrive inside the park.  Another piece of information is that the South Rim does not provide or have any books for the North Rim Junior Ranger Program, but they do have North Rim badges.  So while you are able to end your North Rim Junior Ranger adventure at the South Rim, you cannot start your adventure here.  We started our visit at The Grand Canyon Visitors Center picked up our book and then proceeded straight to the theater to watch the park film.  During your visit you have to either attend a park ranger program or watch the park film, Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder.  We actually did both.  The film was a great introduction and also gave Jaxon a quick history lesson about the park before embarking on our adventure

To begin our journey lets discuss how the program is broken up by ages.  The Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Program is broken into three age groups, you can find listed below, which is also located on the inside of Junior Ranger Activity Book.  We will be walking you through what we did to complete the Raven level designed for ages 4-7 years old.  This is one of the few National Parks that offers a patch for each age group.  This makes it wonderful because I can now return to the Grand Canyon two more times with Jaxon and he will earn a completely new patch still filled with as much excitement as the first.  

As we made our way down the road towards the center of the village Jaxon was able to keep himself busy playing Canyon Bingo.  There is such an abundance of wildlife featured in the park that we completed almost the entire page prior to our arrival during our five minute drive.

There are so many magical views of the canyon I do not feel that I could ever choose a favorite.  No matter what angle I have ever seen it from it's awe inspiring beauty never ceases to amaze me.  To complete this page we choose the Lookout studios for a couple reasons.  Mostly location, it was literally directly in front of our cabin at Bright Angel.  It also had a nice walk down a couple of staircases leading you below the canyon rim giving Jaxon an alternative view.  This excited Jaxon as through out our entire visit to the Grand Canyon he envied all of the visitors who were brave enough to climb over the fence at the south rim trail and perch themselves on rocks for the perfect backdrop to any vacation photo.  Of course, having a mother who is terrified of heights this was never going to happen.  So by descending down the stairs of Lookout studios and allowing him to perch himself on a safe ledge provided by the studio it satisfied his craving of adventure for the day.  Lastly, it was fully equipped with a telescope which Jaxon found extremely fascinating to have the ability to examine each layer of earth down the canyon walls.

Daily between the hours of 11:00 - 3:00 pm located in front of the El Tovar backporch, right on the south rim trail with the most amazing backdrop was a Junior Ranger table.  Set up with brochures, Junior Ranger Booklets and an entire table full of items to explore with a different theme daily.  Jaxon loved exploring the table with the many hands on items they had available for the children.  The volunteers and rangers that were at the table handled the children exceptionally well answering every questions, patiently listening to their current adventures through the park, all while encouraging them to explore the items on the table the entire time.

After we completed our fossil walk we stayed in the area, located right next to the trail view overlook to the right of Hermit Road, to explore and find the perfect rock to study and complete page six of our Junior Ranger book.  It was one of the few areas that had loose rocks we could explore and examine.

During our early arrival for our Nature Walk with Ranger Ronnie we explored the Grand Canyon Head Office and found the most amazing blocks that went perfectly with the Stratigraphic Column.  The blocks were an exact replica and made completing this page so easy and enjoyable.    Later after our visit I found the Grand Canyon Nesting Blocks to purchase so that we could continue our education after we returned home.

We have taken approximately a dozen junior ranger oaths since our recent endeavor into our National Park adventures.  By far may I say this was the most beautiful backdrop for any Junior Ranger ceremony.  The access that gives the rangers the ability to perform such a special ceremony for each junior ranger is amazing.  The crowds near by cheer on the children giving them such a feeling of pride and accomplishment for all of their hard work in completing their ranger books through out the park.  I personally have not come across any other National Park yet that is able to hold such a powerful display of achievement for the children by not only the park rangers encouragementthemselves but also the by-standers observing the ceremony taking place.  

Columbia State Historic Park

The "Stories of the Past" have brought us on an educational journey to Columbia State Historic Park.  To not only discover the clues left from long ago but, also giving us the opportunity to compare the differences from the past to the present.  

We decided to fully immerse ourselves in the experience by staying in one of the parks historic cottages in Columbia.  It was the perfect location for our visit, being located only one block off the main street.  Our Cottage was fully equipped with a kitchen, which made it convenient when the entire town closed down at 5:00 PM every night.

The Stories of long ago, gold rush days were brought to life by one of the most phenomenal park rangers we have ever had the pleasure to meet.  Our forty-five minute scheduled Town Tour that was provided by Friends of Colombia seemed to end too soon as she entertained us with her enthusiasm over each small detail of the past and how life was once lived.

One of the advantages when you take the town tour is it takes you to areas of the park that are normally closed off to regular visitors.   Our ranger had a way of explaining the towns history in a way where you no longer felt like you were being told a story but were experiencing first hand what it would be like to live in the gold rush era.

Wells, Fargo & Co. Express Office

Columbia has a great Passport Program for adults and children alike.  This program is a multiple choice scavenger hunt that took us to areas that we would have passed by without ever even knowing they were there.

Located in town was Quartz Mountain Stage Line we jumped on board as they transported us back in time on an authentic stagecoach ride.

There was even a HOLD UP, while we were on our stagecoach ride. Thankfully we got away unscathed! 

We made a stop by Hidden Treasures Gold Mine and took their one-on-one panning lesson. The lesson gave Jaxon the tools and knowledge of what it took to pan for gold during the Gold Rush. 

Once Jax's took the educational panning lesson he was able to pan for gold as much as he wanted to through out the day.  He soon found the frustrations that haunted many gold miners from the past and the patients it took while searching for gold. 

Another part of our lesson plan during this trip was for Jaxon to identify the differences from schools of the past to the present.  To make our daily school work more exiting we decided to purchase a slate and chalk from the local  Bookstore and do all of our school work as they did in the past.  

We had a wonderful visit to Columbia State Park and we will be sure to return soon.