Day 24: I was asked Where is The Best Hiking and Camping experience for the whole family... And without a doubt Ours is Yosemite National Park. We've been to a few National and State Parks and based from our previous experience - Yosemite National Park Tops it all.
Last year we were debating if we want to go to YellowStone National Park or Yosemite National park, after weighing things out we decided it is worth checking the Yosemite National Park and we did not regret our decision. Today I look back and all I can think of is how amazing that experience was. A week of camping/vanping (You can boondock "boondocking" free camping in National Forest if you decide that staying at the Park is beyond your budget or if the camping sites are full - most are full and only available through reservation.)
Since our decision is not planned we end up staying/camp outside Yosemite National Park which makes it very special. There is NO shower area there but the VERY cold river next to our camp site is great enough to help us stay clean. I make the kids hot water to use on their shower and that helps tremendously. I think that was the most exciting camp we ever had. Next to a gushing river and we can see deers roaming freely in the camp site.
We get to enjoy outdoors and the family didn't use any gadget other than taking pictures. The kids didn't even mind not having their normal iPad time and just enjoy being with us and out with the nature. I have to say that was one of the best 1 week vacation we ever had. Simple yet soothing to our soul. We get to meet really nice people in the camp ground and we get to see and be part of the nature.
I honestly think words cannot explain the beauty of this place. There are so many hiking trails (good for beginners and even the pros). I suggest that you bring lots of snacks that is full in protein coz some trails will make you tired and you can easily get lost if you tried the none marked areas (we did this and we got lost but it was a fun experienced.) Luckily i bring plenty of snacks and peanut butter sandwiches. I even get to enjoy banana with peanut butter for the first time.
The El Capitan, Half Dome, HorseTail Fall and the Yosemite Falls are our favorites sites. We are hoping that when we go there next time we will get to hike the "John Muir Trail" (he is one of my favorite person when it comes to traveling and adventure) - so fingers crossed that we will get there soon!
Biggest tip I can give you is bring a great cooler with you if you are planning to stay there for a long time. Buy ice or make sure you have plenty of frozen food that thaw over time and just cook it. It gets expensive buying them in the groceries out there. Also make sure you bring winter clothes and extra blanket if you are planning to camp. Even though it is technically summer - the weather at the mountain gets really cold and it is best to be safe than sorry.
Use Pine cones as your fire starters. It is free and they are every where. Hubby bought a fire starter (expensive at the groceries) and then we see this gentleman next to us using pinecones and he is having fire faster than ours.
I will try to make a specific post that is meant for MUST HAVES for camping and hope that will help not just us but you as well.
Anyway, just reminiscing the amazing time we had at Yosemite National Park. It's been a depressing weekend due to family issues and I need this thought to help me dream again.
Thanks for being here.
Remember Life is Short.... Explore. Dream. Discover.
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