Our July 4th was a relatively calm day compared to yesterday. We visited Sitting Bull Falls in Lincoln National Forest. The brochures showed a full rushing water fall with lush greenery all around. When we arrived we hiked the half-mile to the park entrance and were greeted by cute stone huts which housed picnic tables and charcoal grills. We walked up the path to the falls and were sort of surprised to see very little water flowing down hill. But that did not deter hundreds of people from flocking to this place, donning swim gear (or not) and taking a dip in the cool mountain spring water. The rock formation to the right of the falls has a small outcropping and some weathered spots which create an “Old Man in the Rock.”
Aidan and Matt could not resist the urge to walk barefoot in the water. They spent time together exploring the small pools and looking for lizards and fish. They also hiked to the top of the mountain where the spring originates and found many interesting things there. There were lizards, large blue dragonflies, and even a neon blue grub of some kind making its way across their path. I think I have a little explorer/ nature photographer on my hands. Aidan’s Mimmy gave him a digital camera to use on this trip. He has taken many wonderful photos. He has an eye for a good shot, I think.
Our plan was to go back to our campground, eat some dinner, then travel to Artesia (a small town to the northeast of Carlsbad) to watch a fireworks display. However, Mother Nature had a different plan, altogether. We had noticed, for some time mind you, a storm brewing in the distance. Eventually the thunderheads and dark skies surrounded us on three sides and began a lightning display to put fireworks to shame. Pounding rains, booming thunder, and sky-licking lightning – that is how we celebrated the Fourth of July. Fitting, I suppose, when we are surrounded by so much natural beauty.
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