Mine Part 2

Sorry, I thought I got this in the right order this time. Read the post down below, and this is part 2. This is the old entrance to the mine, where it is now all fenced up and waiting for cement barriers to make it secure.

Crandall Canyon Mine Memorial Site

The Crandall Canyon Mine is in the same area as our "hunting spot". It was a must see for many of the hunters and their families that were down this year. The common question in camp was, "Have you been down to the memorial yet?" They have done a wonderful job on make a peaceful area for many people to come and pay their respects. It reminds me of Yellowstone National park as they have placed large logs as handrails to mark the path. The Marker above was placed near the beginning of the path, which really makes you think of these men, as you are walking up the rest of the path that winds through the woods.

We then arrived at the memorial site, where each of the miners who died have a beautiful head stone with their picture engraved with information about them. Then there are three benches, made out of the same stone, for the three rescue workers who died trying to save them. It was sad & a bit erie, but was a good history lesson for the kids who still talk about the trip.While I have been posting this Tommy said, " Mommy those are pictures of the men who died in the mountain." So I think the experience will stay with them.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends who lost loved ones in this accident. Even after a year it has still effected this community deeply. During our trip we got to talk to a miner who works in a different mine near by, and was there, the day that this accident happened. He spoke of different safety measures that were being taken to try and ensure that this type of tragedy would hopefully never happen again.

Even Tanner being a teenager, who did not want to come, was touched by seeing this site, and made a lasting impression on him.

Fishing Time

There are several lakes and reservoirs near our hunting spot. The boys enjoy the days that are called their "fishing days". I usually just go to watch them, take pictures and then catch up on journal writing or a good book. I love the out doors, just not the hunting and fishing of the outdoors. So I am content to sit in my chair and watch.

One day was sure windy and cold and the next day felt like summer and we had short sleeves and sunscreen on. Most of the leaves had fallen but their were a few spots that were hanging on. I guess that is just what we get in the tops of the mountains.

Run Bambi Run!

Now let me start out this post with a disclaimer, that I was not raised in a hunting family or around guns. However, I sure married into one. So of course my boys will probably follow in their father's footsteps. That is just how it is.

Every October the family starts to pull out any clothing they have that is orange. You might think it is because of Halloween, but that is the wrong "H" word. It is of course for Hunting. Jeff''s family has always loved the outdoors, but especially this time of year. It is in their blood to migrate down to the "old hunting" spot where they have gone for generations. This was the biggest crowd of family yet with 7-8 trailers parked up the mountain all anticipating the big hunt.

Jeff is a die hard hunter, who would not miss this for the world. The boys and I try to make it down for one of the hunts as a little family get away depending on what the kids school schedule dictates. It is pure camping where you have to pack in all gear plus your water, so we try not to forget anything. The kids sure loved going this year, especially Tanner who got to stay with his Dad a few extra days. It is fun to see extended family who we don't see very often and catch up on every one's lives.

The boys loved hanging out with their cousins & shooting their B-B-Guns while hunting for little creatures.
They have been taught hunter's safety and try to follow it, with me reminding them ALL THE TIME TO BE CAREFUL!
We were lucky to have great weather and could still see some of the snow from the storm the week before. Over all it was a successful trip.

Pumpkin Pictures

Ok, so I am still new at this and posted the pictures & posts in the reverse order, oops! However you get the idea that we had a fun afternoon.

More Pumpkin Pictures

We decided to have a little fall photo shoot
on the front porch to display their pumpkins.

The Great Pumpkin Search

This is a fun time of year for our little family. The harvest of the garden is coming to the end, and it is time to load the pumpkins to the front porch for a little color against our " White House". ( That is the reason why we are called the White House Whipper snappers! We live in a white house. I know it might seam lame, but the is the best we could do for blog names. The really creative names were taken.)
















This was an especially good pumpkin year as our neighbors invited us to come to their large pumpkin patch and have each child pick out whatever pumpkin they wanted to add to our stash. So, the search began of who could get the best pumpkin. Some of them went for size, others shape or color. It was fun to see each child pick out their own & load them in the wagon to cart them home feeling great about their choice.

We then started to decorate the porch, which is a rare thing. Where we live we have powerful winds and things have to be almost tied down or they will blow away with the next wind storm. We knew the pumpkins were good and sturdy and would provide great color in our not yet landscaped yard, at least for a few weeks until we carve them for Halloween.

Gone to the birds

This past week I was able to take my Cub Scout Den, of Wolves, Bears, & Webelos on a field trip to the Bird Refuge. We learned many new things about the environment and all the neat birds that live in our area. It was very interesting to see all the displays and get a new in site on why wildlife is important to protect. I am lucky enough to have Tate in my group of cub scouts, so I grabbed him for a quick photo. I'm sure he was thinking... Oh Mom...not in front of my friends!