Camping reservations were hard to come by this year. Beach camping was out primarily due to our forgetting to get on-line on February 1st to book our August camp date. Yosemite was looking like a bust as well when all the campsites were snatched within literally a minute and a half of the 8:00 a.m. opening. Kelly was persistent, however, and was able to find a camp spot in our favorite, Lower Pines campground after staying on-line and refreshing the page over and over. There are rare moments when someone releases a camp spot either due to waiting too long to complete the transaction or changing their mind, and we were fortunate enough to be there at the right moment.
We love Yosemite Valley, so we were thrilled to make this our family vacation this year. We didn't plan any grand hikes or map out what we wanted to do. We had a short list of things we were looking forward to--biking, day hikes, shopping and playing in the river. And that's what we did. Here are some photos of our favorite things during our time in Yosemite Valley...
Driving through Tunnelview will never get old. The tunnel is about a mile long, and when you emerge at the other end, you are in the beautiful, breathtaking valley. There isn't much of a clue before this tunnel as to how the scenery will change from regular mountain views to the carved out, granite valley, so there is a whopper of an effect every single time.
Riding in the car together for six hours is another favorite. We laugh and tell stories and talk and talk. Sometimes we sleep. This time we had a dog with us. We're all in a good mood in anticipation of our weekend together and all the fun we'll have making memories.
Lower Pines Campground was the first camp ground we ever had reservations in. As with all campgrounds in the valley, it is a treat just to sit in your camping space. The river is literally a stone's throw away, and you are surrounded by granite peaks and tall pines. Watching the sunset, listening to the campground noise and watching the stars come out are a few of the perks of being in such a beautiful location. We love eating outdoors, reading, taking a nap, talking and siting by the campfire.
Short bike trips to the store take us through beautiful meadows where the majesty of the valley is best viewed. We never mind biking over to the store to grab a needed item, to grab a bite to eat or to shop. It's the best way to get around in a really busy area, and really the best way to see the valley. We also love day hikes to the waterfalls. We did a simple hike to the base of Little Yosemite Falls this year which doesn't take more than 30 minutes. Kelly and the girls did some rock climbing to get closer to the falls which was possible due to the drought. We were really fortunate that there was still water while we were there.
Hanging out by or in the river is so amazing. The water is clear and, again, the scenery is to die for. This was the first year that the water level was low and the current slow. The water was also not as cold due to there not being much of it, so the warm weather and cool water made playing in the river a major part of our trip. After Kelly's and Heather's hike to Half Dome in early June, and the girls and I being on the run traveling during the rest of June, a slow, lazy vacation enjoying the river was just what we needed. Sariah liked the water too.
Going into Curry Village or Yosemite Village hasn't gotten old yet. We love to walk through the museum or visitor's center, and we stopped to see one of the short films on the valley which is full of history. Listening to all the different languages of the people we pass is amazing. So many cultures from around the globe come here on vacation.
Deer sightings, pretty flowers and plants, and other wildlife sightings (what are these florescent blue bugs?) are always delightful. We were happy not to see any bears this time around. I have to add that those cute deer are not so cute if one is a momma with fawn close by, and one's dog looks like a threat. Bambi's mother actually charged our dog and tried to bat her down with its front hooves. The other people at the river helped us throw stones and sticks until it backed off. This was not a favorite part of our trip, but one we won't forget. Who knew?
Finally, I'd have to say our most favorite thing is that there isn't any cell phone or internet reception. Parents and kids are electronics-free, and in a lot of ways that is HUGE on the relaxation and get-a-way meter. How often do we go on vacation, but end up on our cell phones, computers or televisions where we're staying (not work or emergency related, of course)? I end up reading more, thinking more and enjoying the relaxed pace. Jenna brought paper and pencils this year and did a couple of sketches. Heather read two or three books in as many days. We played games, got to bed early and got up early to enjoy the day. That's what "getting away" is all about, and I'm so grateful we got to take this trip during our busy summer this year.
