Our Hike to the Aztec Caves

Before our adventure out at the Gun Range, Echo, Austin, Kayla and I hiked up to the Aztec caves. I have made this hike a few times before. Most recently, I met a dust dragon snoozing above the cave on an outcropping of rock. I shared this experience with Austin, who became very excited to make the hike. (Un)fortunately, the dragon was not there when we returned. But we enjoyed the hike anyway.

Here is Austin at the beginning of the hike. You can see the cave up to his right.




Here is Kayla, who we managed to take more than half a dozen pictures of during this hike. She is just so photogenic.












Here, Austin and I have reached the mouth of the cave. Austin was somewhat disappointed to not meet the dragon. I reminded him that had the dragon been there, he would have likely eaten us (I had only gotten away last time because the dragon was sleeping and more interested in snoozing than eating), so it was really a good thing he wasn't there.








Here I am taking a break, and the Kayla is out and about exploring. As Austin began exploring the cave, Kayla would repeatedly "tell" on him, running up to him, and then us, and then turn back to him. We tried to assure her that we were aware of where he was.









Here is the valley below from the inside of the cave. You can see North Texas with the Rio Grande in the distance, and then it's New Mexico.
















Here is our Austin Boy scaling the heights of the cave. Kayla was amazing as she climbed right up with him (after telling on him, of course). She jumped the rocks like they were nothing.












And here we are once again at the end!