Cabazon Dinosaurs

Captains Log, Friday Field Trip # 3 (# 24 of 2019-Pre Covid 19).

To understand what we’re trying to accomplish here, please refer back to this blog.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs Field Trip was one of the most special trips I’ve ever taken with my children. This adventurous Field Trip took place after I was laid off and right before I was about to start my new sales position. With a huge amount of travel coming, the initial goal was to spend as much time with the girls as possible. During the trip, I was enlightened (no, it didn’t have anything to do with my newly confirmed TSA Pre-Check status #baller). This is what hit me: the kiddos couldn’t care less about my new job. It’s never about the money or status we have; being a dad is about investing time with our children and showing them how important they are to us. As we drove out near Palm Springs, the 5-year-old was just happy to be with her father—it didn’t matter what position I had just landed or how much money I would be making. All she wanted was my time. It seems like a very basic concept, but as I sit here, unemployed in the midst of a pandemic, it is something that is carrying me through.

On to the less profound side of this trip… this journey brought me back to the 1989 hit classic, “The Wizard”. “The Wizard” showcased A+ actors Christian Slater, Fred Savage, and the guy who played Ruffio in “Hook”. It was all about video games and family (what more could an awkward 7-year-old want from a movie?). Do yourself a favor--take an hour and half out of your life and get in touch with your feelings by watching this movie. A family brought together by video games and Christian Slater, no further explanation needed.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a true masterpiece, a classic landmark tourist trap that anyone on the West Coast should visit. Praised as housing numerous prop dinosaurs for movies, they also operate an interesting gift shop, as well as food trucks with dinosaur-themed goodies. You’re getting into Palm Springs area here, so no matter what, you’re looking at a long car ride. Have the snacks, tunes, and made-up stories ready to go (pray the kids pass out on the way up and not on the way back, which we all know ruins nap time). The whole experience is quick, so plan on being there less than 1.5 hours. And, yes it’s still very worth double the drive time. $13 per adult and $11 for kids. Also plan on splurging on the “wafflesauras” ice cream truck

Extremely Life Like (one child wasn't thrilled)

All in all, it was a blessing to sit back and become a child again as we walked around in something as cheesy as old dinosaur movie props. You never know what memories you’ll create or what lessons you’ll learn on these field trips. This time, it was the epiphany that being the best dad I can be is just being there for my kids. It doesn’t have to take a trip to Cabazon, but doing something outside of our normal routine sure did help. I think you’ll agree.

Vaya Con Dios