One of my favorite places to hike is on the many trails in Rockville Hills Park, about 2 miles from my home. This past Monday, 12 Elders and 2 Sisters from the Santa Rosa Mission Fairfield Zone of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints joined me in the adventure as this was their Preparation Day and they had about 3 hours of “down” time.
Taking lunch and water with us, we headed west from the parking lot to the “Unknown trail,” on to “Sunset Caves,” and then the Lake, our lunch destination. We spent about 2 hours trekking on
narrow paths that led us through the ash quarry from which large blocks had been mined years ago and used in several homes in the area, one called “Stone Dean” which is near our church house. Also VERY close to the paths were MANY poison Oak plants which all tried to avoid. We found the caves and the youth had great fun getting into and out of these holes and taking pictures. Just past this area we climbed up Cascade Trail, with me coming in last, as it is quite a rocky, 45 degree angle for about 100 feet to the top. It was then on through the forest and cows to the blue lake in what is called “Horseshoe Plateau.” This lake is home to several species of water fowl. Years ago someone wanted to put a golf course on this plateau. Glad they did NOT!
After feasting and resting a bit, the elders engaged in a game of touch football and entertained the rest of us with their lunges into very wet areas while striving to either catch the ball or dodge the opposite team’s reach. Some of the young men got quite muddy but much fun was had. Thank goodness that this was also the day they would do their laundry because it was obvious that was needed!
I am very glad that I had this opportunity to guide this special group of missionaries and show them the flora of the area. It is wonderful being around clean looking, speaking, and doing youth.
Taking lunch and water with us, we headed west from the parking lot to the “Unknown trail,” on to “Sunset Caves,” and then the Lake, our lunch destination. We spent about 2 hours trekking on
narrow paths that led us through the ash quarry from which large blocks had been mined years ago and used in several homes in the area, one called “Stone Dean” which is near our church house. Also VERY close to the paths were MANY poison Oak plants which all tried to avoid. We found the caves and the youth had great fun getting into and out of these holes and taking pictures. Just past this area we climbed up Cascade Trail, with me coming in last, as it is quite a rocky, 45 degree angle for about 100 feet to the top. It was then on through the forest and cows to the blue lake in what is called “Horseshoe Plateau.” This lake is home to several species of water fowl. Years ago someone wanted to put a golf course on this plateau. Glad they did NOT!
After feasting and resting a bit, the elders engaged in a game of touch football and entertained the rest of us with their lunges into very wet areas while striving to either catch the ball or dodge the opposite team’s reach. Some of the young men got quite muddy but much fun was had. Thank goodness that this was also the day they would do their laundry because it was obvious that was needed!
I am very glad that I had this opportunity to guide this special group of missionaries and show them the flora of the area. It is wonderful being around clean looking, speaking, and doing youth.
We had a blast! It was great to find out more about our beautiful surroundings. Luckily, we got the best guide in town. Thanks Grandma Jane!
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