After two nights of camping and no data, we are finally back online!
We were so disappointed to miss out on Yosemite. Smoke from the Aspen fire in Sierra National Forest had drifted into the whole area and we were told we wouldn’t be able to see much even if we drove the three hours from our campsite to Yosemite Valley. Thank God we stopped by the visitors’ centre. Can you imagine our disappointment if we drove all that way to see haze? However, I must say haze makes for phenomenal sunrises and sunsets!
The kids are such troopers. They got up with us for sunrise one morning at 4:45am. This iPhone photo does not do this incredible sunrise justice. The sun was actually dark red as it rose. It was truly an amazing sight. I hope the photos I took with my Panasonic GX1 will be better. (The photos taken on the GX1 will be edited and posted on Flickr after the trip.)
The weather had been fairly windy at times, quite warm in the day and very cold at night. Which is why the kids were all bundled up at sunrise.
And wearing sun hats, T-shirts and shorts in the afternoon on the same day. The terrain varies so much. This was taken during our little hike along the Rush Creek Trail.
Since we were not able to see Yosemite, we stayed in the Mono Lake area to check out the incredible tufa towers instead.
The kids even stayed up with us for sunset on the same day.
We made our way to Las Vegas yesterday. Our drive consisted mostly of barren desert and hills with little vegetation. Also, there were not many places to stop along the way. Just a few tiny towns with abandoned buildings. And if we missed one, the next town could be 25-50 miles away. So it was a good thing Dude filled up the gas tank before we left, although I gave him a hard time for filling up at a premium… But it was $1 more per gallon!
I am also happy to report that we’re getting better at setting up and tearing down our campsite! I am also happy to cook in a kitchen and to enjoy a meal without bugs flying around my face and eating bugs for that matter. Looking forward to enjoying the next couple of days in the city!
Any must sees while in Vegas?
Sounds like you guys are having a great time! Kudos to your future instagrammers, too — sunrise and sunset — impressive!
Thanks, Neely! It’s been fun but also so tiring! So much to see and do! Yes… The kids have been so great. No complaints.
If you have time Hoover Dam is interesting and not that far a drive. Have fun! Your kids are adorable ! Kathy
Thanks, Kathy! We went to Red Rock for sunset tonight and discovered a whole amazing place to explore. Might go back tomorrow. Appreciate the suggestion though!
The kidlets have grown SO MUCH!!! Looks like you guys are really having an epic trip. So bummed we didn’t catch you guys last month. Let’s FT once your trip is done. We miss you all!
Hey Girl! Sorry we missed you too! Will definitely FT when we get back.