Angel Island Field Trip

Last month I chaperoned Finn’s last field trip of the year — to Angel Island, just north of San Francisco. All of the kids and most of the chaperones made the 90 minute plus trip on school buses. The overflow chaperones (me included) went together, which I thought would be better, but turned out to be a little too Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride for my liking. At any rate, we all made it, if somewhat worse for wear.

First up was the ferry across the bay to the island. I was paired with another mom and these were our charges: Finn, Atticus, Sasha, and Ethan.

IMG_4715

Here’s another one of Finn on the ferry. It was very bright and windy!

IMG_4717

The day’s plan was to hike to the top of the mountain, have lunch, hike back down, and play at the beach for a while. Here are Finn and Atticus consulting the map.

IMG_4719

The first part of the hike was pretty steep and strenuous and there were lots of complaints from the kids. But then the trail settles into a fairly easy, meandering route and most of the kids did pretty well. Finn and his friend Eli took turns taking pictures with Eli’s camera.

IMG_4723

It was a lovely hike with great views.

IMG_4725

IMG_4729

I took this one from the top after we had lunch.

IMG_4733

And here’s our whole unruly bunch.

IMG_4739

And my selfie with Finn.

IMG_4741

Soon we were off, taking a different trail back down.

IMG_4742

IMG_4743

After the hike we had a lot of time at the beach. Too much time, if you ask me (or any other chaperone). Finn didn’t go in the water, which was understandable because it was freezing! Despite unpleasant rides home for both of us and lots of traffic, we eventually made it at about 6:00 pm. Long day!

The next day Finn brought home thank you notes that he and Atticus wrote. I loved his.

IMG_4755

I loved how we talked and hiked, too, my sweet boy.