Shotgun Creek

We went hiking last Saturday at Shotgun Creek, a BLM recreation site about 1/2 hour from Eugene. It was a beautiful day -- just perfect for hiking. Sunny, not too hot, not too cold. We went with our friends, the Jackson family (except for Roy, who was on a hunting trip). We had a great time!

We chose the medium-length trail, a little over 1-1/2 miles. It was the perfect length for our group. We thought maybe Clay would have to carry Ruby on his shoulders for part of the way, but she had no trouble at all keeping up with us. In fact, I think she covered more territory than any of us -- running back and forth between everyone when we got spread out on the trail a bit.

Henry was our leader. He had to hold back a little sometimes for the rest of us to catch up to him. (Notice that the trail marker sign designates this trail as "more difficult" -- pretty impressive, huh?)


Henry is very good at watching out for his younger sister.


We didn't see much wildlife -- just mainly caterpillars and banana slugs (ugh!). I was more interested in avoiding stepping on the banana slugs than taking pictures of them, but I think Carrie got some pictures.

I think Ruby needed to be convinced to touch the fuzzy caterpillar.


A picture of this fallen tree wouldn't be as impressive if we didn't have Ruby there to show how big it really is.


Clay and I wore our "hunting season" clothing -- do you think it's bright enough to be seen? I mean, it would come in handy if I got lost and people were looking for me, right? I want that rescue helicopter to be able to find me. :)


Clay is checking out Shotgun Creek. I had my camera ready in case he fell in, but that didn't happen -- it woulda made a great picture, though.


After the hike, we ate lunch at the nice picnic shelter there, and then the kids were anxious to play in the sand of the volleyball court. Besides the guy mowing the grass, we were the only ones at the park until a family showed up about then. (It's a very popular place during the summer, so we enjoyed having it to ourselves that day).


They filled a sock full of sand, and had fun tossing it back and forth over the net (you can see it mid-air just to the right of Ruby's head).


Henry and then Carrie started digging holes to see how far down they could dig. That sand must go pretty deep, because they were in it up to their shoulders!


There was a nice little playground, too, which the kids enjoyed.


Thank you, Jacksons, for the fun day--and for being our friends!

;)