For Tom's birthday we went on an adventure to watch trains. We drove up Lytle Creek, watched trains and ate lunch on the Mormon Rocks, drove up to Silverwood Lake and caught a few more great views of trains, and then watched trains again in Hesperia. The weather was great! It finally feels like fall. The air was cool and the sun was out. It was especially nice to be outside because I have been so busy with work that I have been locked in my office. I forget how much Mormon history we have so close. Here's a little history background of Lytle Creek and the Mormon Rocks:
"In 1851, Brigham Young dispatched three companies of Saints to form a colony in the San Bernardino Valley. On June 20, 1851, his men crossed Cajon Pass. They sought shelter under the gray overhangs and caves of the enormous abutments of what was later named the Mormon Rocks, which today bracket Highway 138. Eventually the troops set up camp in a beautiful grove of sycamores at the mouth of an impasing dark canyon. They explored the area as far west as Cucamonga Creek, looking for a suitable site for their colony. Captain Andrew Lytle was one of the commanding officers. Lytle's company fished and hunted along the abundant creek that flowed past their camp, and now bears his name. A few of the men remained to establish the colony of San Bernardino."
"Mormon rocks were formed by the overlapping of two mountain ranges. This overlapping is due to the grinding and clashing of continental (tectonic) plates in the Earth's crust, producing earthquake and other seismic activity along the San Andreas Fault line. The rock formations give an appearance of light fudge where bubbles burst and left thousands of holes."
Taking shelter in the caves of the Mormon Rocks like the early Saints did.
Look! A train!
Silverwood Lake on a beautiful day. There is a plaque here about the Mormons too.
More trains! Yeah!
Eating lunch on top of Mormon Rocks, keeping a look out for trains.
5 comments:
Cool pics! I have never heard of this place...so interesting!
Ok you guys are so fun! Seriously I have never heard of someone going on a train hunt. A bear hunt yes but a train hunt no... but apparently it is pretty popular after seeing the last pic. Thanks for the mormon history too. I never knew why those were called Mormon Rocks and did not know if it was just Mormons that called it that. Looks like a beautiful and very fun day. I am so glad you guys got out and did that. You need to get out of that office sometimes! LOVE YA and Happy Birthday Tom!
The guys on the side lines look like they could be waiting to catch a train. Funny how good weather brings everybody back outside.
Wow, that's really cool! It's fun to hear bits of history. That looks like a neat place to visit!
SUnny!!!
I've been out of touch for a while! having three kids is kind of hectic! How are you? Believe me I have not forgotten you! I miss you. I'm so glad you blog now. I have really loved looking at this stuff. You remind me of how great it is to live in America and California, and I'm excited for the time when we'll be back. I hope we can always be friends. You are so creative, genuine, fun, positive, and love and enjoy life. I love you! Thanks for sharing your life. This train day is so cool. you really are so creative with your time, with your hands, with everything!
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