Civil War Field Trip 05-16-08

OK, it was hot, but it was fun!!



We started our morning out with beautiful sunshine, temperatures at 8:30 were in the 70's, but by lunchtime, we were well on our way to 80 degrees!! Some were smart enough to use sunscreen, others of us (I'm not mentioning any names!) were not!

The stations were set up to change every 25 minutes, and the kids learned about sharp shooters, medical attention, calvary, infantry, how to stand at attention, how to handle your rifle, how to march, and how the bugle was so important. We learned about the photographers of that era, and those with Dana & Shawnna's group sure did understand why we have no "action" shots--it took 15 minutes to prepare and take just 1 picture! Now we understand why no one ever smiled...you were told NOT to, as the exposure time was five seconds! Who can not move in that amount of time? The weird thing...Shawnna was on the left side of Dana....these images were always flipped. So, Jesse James was not left handed!



We also learned a very interesting fact--Gettysburg was never a site that was supposed to be for battle. Everyone was heading there for shoes!!! The regiments literally bumped into one another. (I wonder if anyone ever got their shoes?)

The battle at the end was small, but the kids sure got the idea. We can only imagine what the full battle this weekend will be like. I'm sure that many of us will be heading back! It was amazing to watch the different parts of the battle.

*****You may click on the slide show, and go to the Web Album, and save any pictures you would like. Simply right mouse click and hit "save picture as". The resolution from the camera was not changed.

Last Day of Class Luncheon

Monday, May 19, which is our last day of school, we will be having a luncheon and ice cream sundae party. This will happen during the lunch period, so no lunches will be required. Each family has been asked to bring something, so if you did not get your item, please e-mail Shawnna at bsrichards@centurytel.net to get your item. Since this is a joint effort, lunch will not happen (or will be lacking) if you forget your item. If it is not perishable, you may bring it on Monday the 12th. Thanks!!

Cascadia Caves Field Trip 05-07-08

The day started off misty and cool as we gathered at the Forest Service to wait for everyone to show up. By the time we reached Cascadia Park it was clearing off, and although we were bundled up, we were all warm enough after some shared coats!!

Clad in rain gear and mud boots we started down the path, anxious to hear what Mr Farque had to tell us about the Indians that lived in this area.

Along the path we learned about the plants that we could eat, and what we shouldn't, we saw the Indian Fishing platforms, their Camas beds and the old prairies that are almost grown over. It was a very informative walk, and very beautiful.

As we neared the caves the path got much smaller, and more brushy, along with more muddy. We are all thankful it had not rained much over the last few days, as we could imagine how much more mucky it could have been. We crossed small creeks, and trudged along, until we arrived, first at a small cave, which the kids had a blast checking out, and then finally the actual Indian Cave which is more of an overhang than a cave.

Mr Farque talked to us a bit about where to find the drawings, and then passed out "maps" to show us the three areas in which to find the petroglyhs. We found many, but many also had to be shown to us. We also found some that weren't on the maps, but could have been just our own vision or interpretation. Needless to say, everyone had a great time searching the wall, learning what was there, and learning about the area. We took a break for lunch, sat and looked around, and enjoyed being outdoors. The sun even broke out.

After lunch, we listened to Mr Farque tell us more about the area, and share with us the beliefs and meanings of the wall. We learned about the Bear Clan, and even saw the FISH. Just remember, its not always about the bear!

We had a great walk back, and we watched as kids grazed all the way out of the forest. What a fun day, and I certainly have to say that I think it was one of our greatest field trips ever!!

Thanks Mr. Farque...we're up for another walk through the forest!