Boys & Toys

For me, the Carrizo Plain has always been about solitude. Being one with nature in all of its splendor. A place so quiet you can literally hear your own heartbeat beating in tune with the high desert flora and fauna.

This past weekend was not at all solitude with about 20 of my favorite family and friends (boys only this trip), frolicking in the Carrizo plain during the day and sitting by the campfire each night and morning.

Fidel and crew contributed Birria and Carnitas, Pavel brought way too many TriTips, Beto cooked up some of the finest bbq chicken and we all ate like..., well, like a bunch of Camping Kings! Seeing Shaw's 12' solid Mahogany picnic bench filled up with this group was too much fun.

While I am not a hunter, I was raised with guns in the family, have instructed my two sons in firearm safety and enjoy a little target practice from time to time.
I was very nervous to host this many enthusiastic shooters, but was fortunate to meet a new friend (Sgt John Fly was in the Marine Corps for 4yr, 1month, 25 days and 7 hours…) who helped enormously with his experience and volunteering to be Range Master while we all practiced hitting a variety of targets. Thank you Sgt. Fly for not only keeping us safe at the hideout, but especially for your service to our country!

Thomas took us out in his new Toyota Tacoma and I guided him to a couple of my favorite sites around the Caliente foothills. Quail Spring, Mary Morris' gravesite and Traver Ranch's old farm equipment. We even found a "new to me" old settlement that had a very healthy looking Utah Juniper. We may have to plant one at the hideout someday.

The 1st Annual Boys & Toys weekend was so much fun and I know we are all looking forward to the next one.