Yosemite Part 2 + Sequoia
Before I even start, I need to share a little business end of this blog. Yesterday I realized that my emails have not been going out with posts. I don’t even know how many of you find this through that method, but I want to apologize and tell you the last one sent on March 19th and I have written posts since then.
If you are curious, you can backtrack at the bottom of each post to the previous one and catch up. There was a lot of tech work involved that is above my pay grade, but I hope and pray I got it fixed and this will go out today. If not, it’s back to the drawing board.
Now…on to the post for today ….
The photo above made me laugh. It speaks of what our rooms looked like. We always booked two rooms and split the children between them as most are now taking up quite a bit of bed space. We packed super light and so there were loads of laundry along the way…which proved costly as dryers were inefficient, but all part of the journey.
This proved highly successful as there were bear statues everywhere along with other critters…
The breakfast was fantastic every morning and the first evening when the kids were going to swim and order pizza, Russ and I had salads in the restaurant that is attached and it was delicious.
Our second day we headed back to Yosemite to spend a little time in the Yosemite Valley area. I want to emphasize again that it is a lengthy drive to get into the actual sites and trails once you enter the park in the foothills.
The road is crazy and winding with plenty of views of the drop off cliffs as you climb higher and higher. I am terrified of heights and have to say that if I were driving, we would still be in a pull off lot trying to get me out of the fetal position.
We were very thankful the good Lord blessed us with warm weather, no snow and good visibility. Just a heads up if you ever decide you want to visit the park, the way in is somewhat tedious and daunting.
That being said…it is totally worth it.
Our first stop was Bridal Veil Falls. We hit at peak season for the falls as the melting snow makes them full and it is quite a show.
I have decided most of the things we saw are accessible on the internet these days with photos by much better photographers than me so my plan is to just share more personal photos as we go along.
We loved this area as we had minimal climbing on the trail to see the falls and there was a rushing creek to walk alongside that was just beautiful. I am going to be transparent here. The day before, we tried a “moderate” trail that was basically like walking on a treadmill with the incline set to the highest setting.
Between Russ’s back pain and my shortness of breath at the high altitude, we had to stop partway up and wait for the younger set to return. It was more than just hard physically. It was a moment for us and for our daughter. Again, just being real. It was probably the first time we haven’t been able to physically do something that used to come naturally.
I guess the lesson learned is, don’t put off what you CAN do now…enjoy every minute because you don’t know when you will have to sit something out <3
Rachel did say that she saw many who were having to stop and catch the breath or just sit, but the reality is we just couldn’t do it. You might want to keep that in mind and either prepare in advance physically if you are not in shape for a strenuous hike or mentally that you may not be able to do some of the trails.
The above photo is not Graham needing help, by the way. The kids had NO problem with any of the trails…he was just being a goof ball, which we love him for.
We had packed a picnic lunch – Zach and Rachel have learned that it is wise to buy a loaf of break, a jar each of peanuts butter and jelly, chips and cookies and of course lots of fruit.
So we headed to the Yosemite Valley area and ate and explored. There was a shuttle that did the Valley Loop. This was running during March, however it should be noted that it was the only shuttle running this time of year.
We were able to visit some more sights and get off and on as needed. Our last stop was the Gift shop (of course) and information center where the little ones got sworn in as Junior Rangers.
We were all tuckered and ready to head back down the mountain for burgers at a local place.
The next morning we had another good breakfast and then checked out the funky gift and antique shop across the street.
They had the cutest little kitchen set up and our girl had some quiet time in her own little world while everyone else poked around the antiques.
and then it was off to Sequoia National Park. The paths here were less intimidating and we enjoyed the serenity of walking through this stately old forest.
This was a lovely area to see. We had another picnic lunch at a stop inside the park and then visited the Sequoia trees, taking time to enjoy General Sherman. This is the largest (by volume) tree in the world. I am not sure who measures them all, but we are trusting this true.
I had to laugh at this sign by the General. I said as I snapped the photo, I ask myself these same two questions daily…
After we had seen the forest, climbed every rock available and picked up a few dozen pine cones, we headed to our next stop in Three Rivers. It was a nice hotel with an outdoor pool that the kids loved. https://www.hotelplanner.com/lodging/hotel/95090.html?adExtensionId=&adPosition=&deviceType=c&gad_campaignid=18894599253&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-SH6pFmcIoAyhFAJwRt3CodxpUD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1da8-tDekwMVNTcIBR024xTsEAAYASAAEgJ7xvD_BwE&googleAdGroupId=147477976310&googleAdId=684370694127&googleCampaignId=18894599253&googleKeywordId=&interestLocation=&keyword=comfort%20inn%20suites%20sequoia%20kings%20canyon&matchType=b&network=g&physicalLocation=9022536&placement=&pn=&targetId=kwd-4892565664
Rachel ordered dinners from a local place for pickup while we started more laundry. The kids showered and we all ate in the lobby. Again, it is helpful to have two rooms for showering so many bodies and luggage and such.
After dinner it was off to bed…with several jumps to see if we could touch the ceiling as we walked along…
