“I felt my lungs inflate
with the onrush of scenery- Air, Mountains, Trees, People. I thought: This is what it is to be happy" -Joaquin Miller
Last Thursday we had out first major outing with the Preschoolers and it was quite an adventure.
We suited up for the cool weather and donned our field trip shirts in bright tie-dyed greens. Rebecca, Alice and Courtney were already on the bus to help us into our seats as we settled in. Once everyone was buckled and ready, we were off out to visit the Redwoods in the Oakland Hills.
We told the children little about where we were going to enhance the wonder once we got there, but we said we had to go over a bridge to get there. There were houses flashing by as well as trucks and dogs on their walks as we passed through San Francisco. Once on the bridge we were surprised by the darkness in the Treasure Island tunnel only to be doubly surprised by a large tugboat chugging along toward the bridge.
Up, up, UP we drove into the Oakland Hills where we saw more houses and plants just outside our windows. Some trees brushed the outside of the bus and curious surprise flashed over their faces.
“What was that?!” piped up Hugo.
We found the spot that the Preschoolers had been to before and were very excited to look around. Down the trail we followed after the preschoolers, sometimes walking and sometimes scooting off of slightly too high steps.
The Preschoolers headed back for Music Time with Charity and the toddlers quickly wanted to go see what the excitement was about. Everyone was searching for sticks to use and the toddlers were quick to look for some themselves as they saw the children gather in a circle.
Some were very keen to sing and play along while others were content to watch or find other places to play. Some friends like Nino were ready to absorb the Redwood ash floor all over or try their hands at climbing fallen tree trunks like Ozzy and Ava.
We enjoyed our lunch outside on our mat as the other children finished up Music time. The Preschoolers were then ready to play alongside the Toddlers, running or holding their hands as they each explored the Redwood clearing.
On the way back we looked at the photos and looked at the views as we got back to school and even had a few sleepy friends needing some assistance up the steps. All ready for nap after a very invigorating and sensory filled day!
