Into the Woods, Set Building, Part 1

Several of my students and I have been busy building set pieces for Venture High School's upcoming production of "Into the Woods."  We have a pretty limited budget, but I don't mind. I enjoy the creative challenges that a small budget brings.  We looked for materials that were readily available and settled on the an old favorite: cardboard.  Here are two photos of the fireplace for Cinderella's home (work in progress).  Showtimes for the musical are May 9th, 7:00 pm, and May 10th, 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  

Pine Cones in the Desert

In central Utah sits Capitol Reef, a beautiful national park sculpted in sand and stone.  I spent the last four days camping and hiking there with my family and several good friends.  On one hike in particular, at Burro Wash, we came across a number of pine cones and a large area that was literally covered with a blanket of pine needles an inch thick.  At first glance, you wouldn't think much of it, after all, pine trees are common in Utah . . . but not at Burro Wash.  The nearest conifers were probably a good five or six miles away.

So, how did the pine cones and needles get there?  I posed that question to my own children and they gave me a number of interesting responses.  I'm curious to see what you think.  Please, leave a comment with your thoughts.  And, yes, I know the answer, and but I want to see what you think.  Put on your thinking caps and go.