Trailblazer!

As the oldest of six boys, Alex has always been somewhat of a trailblazer by default. The first to go to school, the first to lose a tooth, the first to win a pinewood derby race, and now the first to finish his Eagle Scout project!

Alex has been gung ho about scouting from the first day he put on his wolf cub uniform 6 years ago, so it is no surprise that he has gotten to the point where is is doing his Eagle Project at the ripe old age of 14.

And his favorite part about scouting? Hiking! No doubt about it. That boy is a trailblazer!

So when it came time to choose a project Alex was so excited to find something that is right up his alley - trail improvements for 3 trails up in the La Quinta cove.

The big day was last Saturday, but the truth is, Alex did most of the hard work well before that day. He learned just how much work goes into planning something like that, and he did a great job meeting with city officials, and scouting officials, planning, getting permits and permissions, etc., etc. He did most of it on his own and was so on top of everything. Typical Alex. I was so proud.

Lots and lots of volunteers rolled in for the big day - family members, ward members, friends, and community members. There were about 30 people total.

But the rain clouds also rolled in, making it all the more an adventure for everyone involved.

But no little rain clouds would deter this group. They were ready to work! Bring it on!

After gathering everyone and everything together, Alex gave some instructions before dividing everyone into 3 groups to head down the 3 trails.

Their main job was to fix any trail markers and signs that were damaged or down, add informational stickers if missing, and install new trail markers anywhere where the direction of the trail was in question. They also picked up trash and moved rocks and such to make the trail more passable when needed.

The rain kept everyone cool as they worked, and the reward for all their work was some hot (and soggy) pizza.

A few geniuses found a way to keep their pizza pie nice and dry!

Of course it wasn't all work and no play.

It was just a great day to be outdoors, and even better to be doing something good at the same time!

After all the wonderful volunteers went home, there were a few more things that needed to be finished, so our family went on together to help Alex complete it all.

It was fun to work together and enjoy the beautiful desert.

When the work was all done, the boys had entirely too much fun digging through 70 year old dump. (Alex was given specific instructions NOT to pick up THIS trash on the trail. I couldn't believe how extensive it was!) I had fun digging too, I must say. I found a few milk glass jars and some old dishes from a local La Quinta resort. We felt like anthropologists sifting through the artifacts.

Ah, the beauties of nature!

Finally, we were all exhausted, but it was done! The trails in La Quinta cove as looking better than ever, and discovered a fun place to come and hike and explore some more.

1 Eagle project done, 5 to go!

Thanks to EVERYONE who helped Alex to do this!

What a trailblazer Alex is! Eagle Scout.

Mamma is so proud.