Trail Crawl Sweet Sixteen
The best neighborhood party of the year involving food, drink, walking, talking and fun for all ages – April 3, 2016
DESTINATION #1 – TROUT’S FARM
We hosted the first stop and there were soon nearly thirty neighbors relaxing in our yard. Trail Crawl often falls on a rainy day but we lucked out this year.
BREAKFAST FARE
With help from Haruka, Zoila and Danielle we set out breakfast burritos, scones, fruit and a cheese plate with fruit juice, mimosas, bloody Marys and chai.
THE BEST PART OF TRAIL CRAWL
Plenty of time to relax with our friends. Leif’s daughter Erica has just joined the ‘hood. Haruka, Tami, Lyle and Shelley need no introduction.
A SURPRISE
We debuted a new trail this year, a shortcut between the Farm and Japan. It runs from Jason and Haruka’s rice fields, up and over the hill and across Lyle and Tami’s dam to their house on the pond. The look on Tami’s face when she saw the new trail sign was priceless.
TAMI’S DAM TRAIL
Tami embraced the moment and hammed for the cameras, ever the good sport.
DESTINATION #2 – JAPAN
Lyle and Tami’s affectionately refer to their home as “Japan” because of their terraced gardens. That giant metal structure is a swing, a genius idea.
BEST DECK EVER
It’s impossible not to relax on Tami and Lyle’s sunny, spacious deck overlooking their pond.
Sam and his mother, MB enjoy the sun. Zoila enjoys the McMullan family dog, Pearl.
Susan, Luke, Asher and Camille all looking quite relaxed and groovy.
SWINGING
Eden’s shadow looks like a frog as she swings out over the water and back.
Irresistible!
YUM!
Home made pizza and salsas had us eating again! As per tradition, there is food at every stop.
CREEK CROSSING
Another highlight of Trail Crawl is the crossing of Stinking Creek which flows between The Bend and Abeyance. The creek often runs quite high this time of year due to heavy Spring rains. Jean and Susan led the way and no one fell in.
DESTINATION #3 – A NEW STOP
First time trail crawl hosts Jean and John invited us into their brand new beautiful house.
ANOTHER SIGN
The second fun sign of the day was found in John’s woodworking shop. Of course it’s tongue-in-cheek.
GRAND FINALE – KATHIE AND ERIC
Longtime friend and neighbor, Kathie and Tami raised their kids together. Eric is the slender guy in the gray cap.
PULLING OUT THE STOPS
Kathie went above and beyond with the food. She must have prepped for weeks! No need for dinner this evening.
ANOTHER WATER FEATURE
They had a pool installed since we were last at their house. Zoila caught Camille taking pictures. That’s Danielle beside her, the breakfast prep queen. Jim and Lara’s darling twins played on the poolside railing.
ALL THIS AND CORNHOLE, TOO
Yup, there was something for everyone on this perfect Trail Crawl day.