Sliding into her Tent

Kiira embarked on her second annual Daddy/Daughter camping trip at Slide Ranch, a beautiful spread overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Highway 1. Run by a rotating staff of organic farmers focused on teaching and exposing children to sustainable farming, Kiira once again learned how to milk and feed goats, feed and carry chickens, carry and hike with a backpack on her way to pitching a tent with Dad, and hike and discover different sea-life down at the tidepools. Many of her "Mommy's Group" friends also joined with the 15 other families. All kids not only get to interact with the farm animals, but also helped to prepare food from the vegetable garden for a final lunch, served not on plates, but on round, green Nisturtium leaves. Fare included salad with edible flowers, goat cheese mixed with edible flowers, bread served on a bed of edible flowers... yep, you get the picture.
Kiira was a much improved camper this year, helping Dad set up the tent and sleeping bags, and enabling Dad to kick back a few with his friends after the kids were snuggled up in their sleeping bags (well, a few requests and wimpers here and there). It was a starry, chilly night after an afternoon's rain, and Kiira and her friends woke up in fine fashion, playing and running around for a heavenly game of hide-and-seek (boundless hiding options on the brushy plateau) as the parents broke camp and packed up belongings. Dad was rather proud to get everything packed up and hiked down in 1 trip, with no need for the wheel-barrow offered (sounds like something only a guy could be proud of!). As always, a good time had by all, some more good daddy-daughter bonding, and another opportunity for Evan to get mommy to himself.