Beach hikes and piano recitals

It's been a while since I've posted pictures, so... since I have some from last weekend I might as well, right?  The youth from church are preparing for a pioneer trek this summer where they'll get to pull handcarts like pioneers for a few days so we went on a 7 mile practice hike.  Of course, it won't be exactly like what the real pioneers experienced, and hiking along the beach on a cool and overcast morning won't be exactly like their trek in the summer heat, but those are just small details, right?

Maddie and her cousin Haley (who are too young to go but can practice trekking) on top of the bluffs.

I don't think the pioneers had to wait for low tide, but we thought it was a good idea.

The pioneers also probably didn't see tidepools with little red sea urchins.

Kate, Maddie, and Haley climbed down the bluffs using ropes left by earlier pioneers.

The wildflowers have been spectacular this spring but we've been too busy to get out and see them.  Luckily, a few are still left.

All pioneers eat lunch at The Spot after a morning of trekking.

That evening we had a piano recital. Darlene always does a special recital for her students who are graduating, and this year it was just Braiden and Dan.

Braiden played seven different songs - this is "I Giorni" by Ludovico Einaudi.