West Fork of Oak Creek

 The West Fork of Oak Creek trail is a favorite of ours in the fall... offering bright autumn colors in dense forests of pines, firs, sycamores, maples and oaks, a trickling stream and towering red rock walls. We try to make it up here every fall, but we missed last year so we were extra excited to be here this year. :)

The trail starts by going through an old apple orchard.   All the lower apples had been picked but there were a lot at the tops of the trees.  So, like a true gentleman, Jeff climbed the tree to pick some apples for his little ladies.... and they were thoroughly enjoyed!

Oh.... the joy of nature!!!!!

Jeff made the girls little bamboo straws for them to blow bubbles with in the water.  No drinking girlies!!! Especially you Kate!

Aubree is such a good big sister!  She loves her little Kate.

Ella was creative with her bamboo straw and turned it into a leaf holder. 

Maya loves to leap across the water... whenever she gets a chance.

I love these girls!!!  These pictures were taken at the ruins of an old homestead (later turned lodge--first built in the 1870's) about a quarter mile down the trail.

The old lodge even had a swimming pool!  Is that water refreshing girls?

The girls are playing with the ducks at the pond on our hotel grounds.  Thank goodness for points that get us free stays!

Kate is so much fun!  Sometimes she just doesn't keep still long enough for a picture!

 Row that boat girsl!

Maya leaping again :) Crazy little monkey!

 Look at all those fish we caught!

Aubree said... "Now look at this fine load I caught!"

Snugly little girls.

A picture with me in it.... imagine that!  Hailey is in my belly... I'm about 6 months along.

 This girls loves her mother! :)