San Diego, California 2004
For Duncan's fifth birthday, we decided to take him to Legoland in San Diego, California.  Duncan had been playing the Legoland computer game and really enjoyed it.  San Diego has the only Legoland in the US.  It is also home of one of the best zoos in the world.  We spent ten days visiting some of the more popular attractions (the zoo, wild animal park, Sea World, and Dodger's Stadium).  Here are some of our pictures.  Dave is not in any of the pictures, because he did not come with us.  He was only eight months old, and I feel certain he had a lot more fun with Paw-Paw and Auntie Donna.

San Diego Zoo
San Diego Wild Animal Park
Sea World
Legoland
L.A. & Dodger's Game
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Sedona, Arizona 2006
This was my third trip to Sedona, Arizona, but the first time I was in any sort of shape to hike comfortably.  Donna and I did not do anything touristy this time other than hike, which is exactly what I wanted to do.  The only goal I did not accomplish was making it to the saddle of Cathedral Rock.  Endurance was not the problem, it was total and complete fear that stopped me.  Towards the top is this little crevice with only one foot hold to get you going.  Many, many people were making it through that part with no problem.  I chose not to try.  I do not have a fear of heights, but I am terrified of falling.  So, with only the one foot hold, if I missed it or slipped, it was a long way down.  Here are my pictures.  The location of the pictures is where I took them from, not what I am taking them of.  Donna is a much better photographer, so check out her site for some really good shots.

Bear Mountain--I am most proud of this one.  It was not an easy climb, but it was a lot of fun.  We thought we had made it to the top, but found out we had lost the trail and there was actually another mile or two to go.  By the time we found the rest of the trail, it was too late in the day to finish the hike.  What we did was great though.  If you can handle this hike, it is well worth it.
Cathedral Rock--This is my favorite place in Sedona.  It is obvious why it is one of the most popular places to photograph.  The water in front of it makes for an incredible reflection and peaceful place to hang out.
Sugar Loaf--This was my first time to climb Sugar Loaf.  It is a very easy climb with nice views.
Mitten Ridge & Cow Pies--Well, this one was a mistake.  Cow Pies is the first part of the Mitten Ridge trail, and it was a very easy and enjoyable hike.  We thought we were going to meet up with a trail that would take us to the saddle of Mitten Ridge.  We are still not sure what we wound up on, but it appears to have been a very poorly maintained trail that lead to a partial cave above the saddle area.  The last few feet was a straight up climb on the side of a cliff.  Not good for those of us who have a fear of falling. 
Robber's Roost--I probably can not tell the story of this one as well as Donna.  Basically, we think we found the cave, but will never know for sure because the trail seemed to have disappeared to a point that it required a jump to finish it.  Robber's Roost is suppose to be a cave in the side of rock with a window you can look through.  It is in a completely deserted area outside of Sedona that requires a high clearance, four wheel drive for the last 1.5 mile.  Aside from being deserted, it is also cattle country.  Fortunately the cows seem to be nice.  Anyway, we tried the hike twice, and have decided the trail has eroded to the point it is not safe to finish.  These are some pictures we took from the road, which does provide for an absolutely awesome view of sunset.
Miscellaneous--These are some odds and ends.  They are taken from Doe Mountain, Vultee's Arch, Faye Canyon, and Boynton Canyon.  Doe Mountain and Vultee's Arch were well worth the hike and I would do them again.  Faye and Boynton Canyon were pretty boring.  Lots and lots of trees, which we have plenty of here in Texas.  We actually did not finish the Boynton trail because of the boredom.  It is suppose to be gorgeous, but outside of the vortex site (which I was not impressed with since it was basically the view of Sedona development), it was nothing but trees as far as I could see.
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