We made it here yesterday, without incident. We took our time packing up our condo/apartment and made our departure around 10:30. Our plan was to stop at the Olde San Francisco Creamery to sample their famous ice cream (Man Vs. Food episode). HOwever, the drive was shorter than anticipated and we pulled into town at 11:15, so walked around till they opened at 11:30. Once we were all situated, we ordered. Now, the Tewksbury's had decided that they might just have ice cream for lunch - so Connor, Tressa and Ian did just that. You should have seen the dishes of ice cream they were served. Ian took some pictures, and will try to send them to me to post here. Let's just say that one scoop is about 1 cup of ice cream, and Connor and Ian ordered larges = 3 scoops plus all the toppings! Ian was the winner - he finished his dish. Connor made a valiant effort, eating about half his. tressa was a real lady, and she and Carissa ordered a regular (2 scoops). Neither girl was able to eat more than half of their ice creams either! the rest of us did pretty well, enjoying every bite, but not quite reaching the bottoms of our dishes.
From there we headed to Groveland, CA which is outside of Yosemite by a a few miles. We got here, unloaded and set up camp. While Jean and I took the kids to the pool (thank the heavens it has a pool) Dave made dinner. ANother night of spagetti and meatballs. The only one not tired of spagetti is Tressa!
Here is where I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled! No soft bed, no soft pillows, no curtains to block the sunlight or windows to keep out some of the sounds. Hard ground, with less than stellar upkeep (meaning there are rocks UNDER our tent) = not the best nights sleep ever. but we persevered. Today we headed up to Yosemite to see El Capitan (I know this is not how it is spelled) and Bridal Veil Falls. We took a beautiful path to Yosemite Falls and the kids and Ian and I hiked up the falls to feel the spray on our faces. It was outstanding! The kids loved the adventure of climbing up the side of the falls, and I loved the climb, the view and the joy in their faces.
Ian then left off on his own to try and meet some climbers who were ready to go up (or were comign down) El Cap. He did not have good luck, and while disappointed he was happy he tried. Meanwhile the rest of us went to a basket weaving demonstration in the Indian Museum and the kids played a Native American game of Walnut Dice. Pretty cool stuff!
Yosemite is as beautiful as everyone has told me it would be. But I cannot help thinking back to an article that asked if we weren't loving our National Parks to death? There were so many people there, so much congestion and cars - we had worse traffic here than anywhere in San Fran or Las Vegas! There was nowhere to go that was inundated with people. Beautiful, but you cannot even get a picture of your family without at least 5 others in it.
Maybe we need to reconsider how to enjoy our national parks. Maybe people need annual passes, and we restrict the numbers entering daily? I have no idea, but I do know that it will continue to become a greater problem.
We are now down to two nights here, and 4 nights in Las Vegas. Nick and Carissa are truly ready to come home, and are completely homesick. I think Tressa is as well. All kids are feeling the final countdown, and to be honest - maybe us adults are as well. This is a phenomenal adventure, that could only be taken with the very best of friends. However, a full month away from everything else is difficult. I do look forward to my house, my pets, my extended family.
Tomorrow we are off to other parts of Yosemite, and I will be sure to post a bunch of pictures!
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