First stop- Picacho Pass Civil War Battle Site

The first leg of our journey was actually heading in the wrong direction. South instead of north, that is. We wanted to learn more about the westernmost battle of the Civil War fought just 67 miles south of us in Picacho Pass.

A quick jaunt down the I-10 freeway made the trip easy to begin. We turned in our state park coupon allowing free entry and learned a bit about the peak and trails inside the park from the ranger on duty. Because the park is well maintained and marked, we found our spot easily.
The kids were not enthused to wear their wool coats and civil war kepis for the duration of our time outside. But, as I told them, the soldiers marched in uniform in the summer as well as the winter. At least it's a dry heat! We traveled from one informational plaque to another learning about the events of the Picacho Pass battle then we reenacted the battle to the best of our ability (with limited soldiers).

Reenacting except this battle didn't actually use cannons

If the kids thought that was the extent of our field trip, they were wrong. Next, I thought a hike up the front side of the peak would give us a good idea of how it felt marching in uniform and a bit of much needed exercise. O ran up the hill to prove something to himself or us, I don't know which, K stayed near me, and MA straggled behind. Someday, I will go walking with my family and we will all be at the same pace, but this is not that day. Once at the top we finished our water rations, took pictures, and told stories of the saguaros growing majestically on the rocky terrain.

At the top of Overlook Trail

MA took a bit longer to reach the top than the rest of us so we stayed longer to allow for her rest. Downhill was an easy trek and we only strayed once. The kids overall did well and hopefully learned something.
We ended our trip on a happy note. Or, should I say, cold note getting ice cream at Dairy Queen.