We got to play some ball with new friends. It was like having a regular PE class with a swim to finish, and then off to Fort Davis.
In the Davis mountains we can drive on the highest paved road in Texas, at 6500ft. The hiking was beautiful and right outside our door.
The trees are mostly for my mom's sake, but I like them too.
The McDonald Observatory has about 5 domes with the big scopes plus lots of other scopes.
This one is 107 inches across the lens. It is number 37 on the size list in the world. It weighs 160 tons and the movable dome over it weighs 409 tons, and
......each of the kids got to take a turn moving them with electronics. This is Judy, the amazing tour guide.
This is the dome we were in.
This one is called the Hobby-Eberley scope and it is number 5 on the largest in the world list. We are at about 6600 ft so there is less atmosphere and pollution to block good star gazing. Also 2 out of 3 nights are cloudless in the Davis mountains.
We came back for the star party, which was amazing. The most amazing part to me is how anyone could look at the heavens as their job, and try to insist how it can all be without God. The favourite sight we saw out of seven scopes tonight was the Orion Nebula where new stars are being formed. I said to the telescope operator, "Did you know God's word says he speaks these things into existence? It's amazing to be hearing God's voice with our eyes." She never said anything.
What we actually saw was more blue than this and further away, but just as awe inspiring.
This is the sundial that we wish we got a picture of during the day. It doesn't work that well after sunset.
Palm tree on a post.
These are all over the Chihuahua High Desert.
We saw lots of cool stuff on a trail ride including this cactus tree.
We all got in trouble from the x marine boss on this ride, but none as much as me. (Janna never got in trouble). I rode at the back and stopped a couple times allowing gunner to run to catch up. When we got near the barn I went for one more quick run to pass the others, but this time General Trail Leader caught me and let me know in no uncertain terms, how unsafe a practice this was......then he took this picture for us.
Tori rode Red, and they got along well.
Off to Big Bend next.
The kids must've been so excited to go on the trail ride. Hope it wasn't too hot and dusty. I loved the tree pics. So cool. Can you bring me one back and I'll plant it in my garden. I'd even name it the Huntington Tree... sorta like the Joshua Tree.
ReplyDeleteHey Guys!
ReplyDeleteMiss you all so much, and cant wait for you to get back home:) Mom told me that you called her, you should call me some time, It would be nice to hear your voice again! I am now working 2 part time jobs I normally work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and some times other days if someone needs to switch, mom watches Alissa when i'm at work and Alissa loves hanging out with mom and dad. Justin is working at BP(Boston Pizza) and he works afternoon/nights. Alissa is getting so big, she just turned 9 months on Friday! Cant wait to see you guys!
Love your
Sister
Monique:)
xoxoxox
Hi Huntingtons!
ReplyDeleteI love to see everything you guys are doing! So beautiful and fun! Hey, Yvette, you aren't in a lot of the pictures! And Brent, no racing back to the barn.... Basic Horseback Riding 101!
Maria was sad that Jake couldn't be at her birthday party this year (poor Josh was the only guy!). But she still prays for you! We miss you a lot.
We are doing well. Our only sad news is that we had to put one of our horses down, sadly the one that Maria rode. Maria is already asking for a pony..... and it has to be called Princess!
Take care,
love from Waterside,
Kathy