Yosemite in Late Summer

Last month, my sister Kim and brother-in-law Timmy came to California for a visit. They drove cross country for what would be Timmy's first visit to the Golden State. Kim has been here a few times but had not ventured out too far from the Bay Area. This time around we decided to take trip to Yosemite, one of the most sacred and beautiful places on planet earth. (as an avid traveler I feel I can take the liberty to make such a bold statement!)

We rented a cabin for the weekend in Yosemite West. It was close enough to the Valley but removed enough from the crowds that the Valley also brings. It also allowed us to cook meals and watch movies by the fireplace at night.

We were met with sunny days despite a wildfire burning nearby that could have made days hazy and gray. We were also most fortunate that due to so much snowfall last winter, the falls were abundant with water. They usually stop flowing in May. Kim and Timmy were blessed to see their powerful, magnificence.

I was beyond thrilled to share this sacred land with my family. To see their eyes light up at the beauty around them was pretty special. Yosemite has an effect on one's heart and soul and I suspect that neither of them will ever forget her.

Havana couldn't contain her excitement about seeing a mama deer and her fawn up close and personal. She followed them along a trail until they took a turn and crossed a creek.

We never leave home without these guys, or Suckey!

An impromptu stop along the side of the road for the girls to touch the river gave us the view of this bridge, made many years ago by rocks. I found it quite lovely and serene.

A dragonfly took a rest on Don.

The famous view when you first enter the park. No matter how many times I have seen it, it always takes my breath away and reminds me just how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of life.

A Good Read

Before we began on our road trip this past summer, Amara decided to try reading on her kindle. What a pleasure to see my child curled up with a good read instead of playing some game on the screen.

First Day of 3rd & 5th Year

Havana has not been feeling the photo vibes in recent months. Her facial expressions reflect that!

The new school year started last month with the girls starting their 3rd and 5th years at Montessori Family School. The girl's Tia Kimberly and Tio Timmy were visiting from Florida around that time so it was a busy but exciting time. It also meant that they got their hair done up real nice on the first day of school!

Our beloved school has been undergoing many changes and we are not sure how much longer we may remain there, but for now, it's been a good start to the new year with each girl thriving in their respective classrooms. And of course, Luvey, Ellie and Suckey (not shown but in the backpack) are also learning alot so far as well!

Last Stop: Grant's Pass

Our last stop in Oregon was to visit some friends in Grant's Pass. We had stopped through the city for gas on our way back from Yellowstone last year, but we never got a chance to get a feel for the city. What better way than to meet up with friends and to visit the local Farmer's Market? Bob and Kathy were great hosts the night we arrived and gave some some history of the town including the story of the whimsical, adorable, sculpted bears that line the main thoroughfares. (apparently each year, a new bear is commissioned.)

We were saddened by the ravaging forest fires nearby that kept the area covered in a gray, hazy, smokey, overcast cloud. The fires prevented us from being out too long and we were not able to enjoy the river for a hike or exploration. Yet our first (and only) hotel room at the Riverside Inn afforded us with the ability to take in the peaceful river from the safety of our smoke free room. (it was so smokey when we pulled in, that my eyes burned.) Although the smoke couldn't stop the girls from getting into the pool for a good, long swim with Don, while I went and sought out a laundry mat so we could have some clean clothing to wear.

Our view from our room at the Riverside Inn. We were most thankful to Bob's recommendation for the lodging.

We got to take in some of the local flavor the next morning at the farmer's and artisan's market. Whenever we travel, I try to see if there will be a farmer's market because it's a great way to meet local folk and get a sense for the area. Grant's Pass was full of creative, dedicated people who grew some tasty fruits and veggies, had yummy, all natural shaved ice (which the girls had at ten in the morning!), mouth watering homemade breads and beautiful, unique crafts. We all picked up something to take home including gifts for future birthdays. Most of all, it was fun to spend a bit more time with our friends who knew all the good spots at the market.

It seemed the whole of Southern Oregon was covered in smoke. The reality of the fires was daunting. 

After we finished our shopping we said our goodbyes and hit the road towards home. We would still be out another night at families in Sacramento but this last stop in Oregon was the perfect ending for our Oregon Road Trip.

Columbia Gorge

Our road trip to Oregon was initially going to be just along the Coastal Route. That changed when our nephew John and niece Jenny suggested we make the effort to head Northeast to the Columbia Gorge, home of close to fifty waterfalls. 

Google photos further encouraged me to change plans and include a couple of days in what turned out one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. And thanks to our friend Doug, who hosted us the first two nights of our journey in Crescent City, we were given expert tips on how to make the most of our stay.

We camped for two nights in Ainsworth State Park, right next to the train tracks which made for interesting night noise. However we were also surrounded by deep forest, the majestic river and a deep sense of peace in all that nature.

Photo by Jen G

We had some fun water time both by falls and on a lake. And my grad school friend Jen was able to join us for a morning hike up to Horsetail Falls (all but Havana were up for a longer hike; she won out because the fuss bugs were not worth fighting that day)

While up on the Gorge, we stumbled upon a blueberry farm and another time a nice couple let the girls have a go on their paddle board. We ate dinner at a local place in Cascade Locks filled with artifacts and history of the original peoples of the area and the scrumptious homemade food left our bellies so full that we sleep like rocks in our tent that night.

I thought the area would be pretty and peaceful but I was not prepared for just how majestic and magnificent it was. Sadly, a few days after we left a reckless teenager tossed a firecracker into the dry, hot forest, setting the area ablaze. To this day the (Eagle Creek) fire has close to 50,000 acres and is only around 46% contained. Any fire is tragic but after having been graced with the beauty of the Columbia Gorge just a few days prior, all of our hearts felt heavy. We were humbly grateful that we were able to witness her grandiosity before she burned.