yosemite wonder

There’s nothing like driving up to Yosemite with people who have flown in from half a world away, and as soon as we entered the park, mist and fog falls to the ground. Literally, to the ground. We could not see what was beyond the side of the road. Then when we got to our campsite, it started pouring. Mike borrowed a shovel from the well-prepared folks next door to dig channels to encourage the water away from our campsite.

Then, the rain stopped. The mist pulled away, and the park revealed itself. Slowly and magically.

The rain held off for an evening stroll, campfire dinner and s’mores, and even some stargazing along the dark river. It rained more during the night, but we were toasty warm in our sleeping bags. Then it stopped again for breakfast and Jiffy pop over the campfire, and two more days of hikes among the silent, mist-wrapped rocks and meadows.

fall camping

Off to Yosemite for a couple days, for some crisp fall weather, the last of the season’s s’mores, and campfire hash browns made from the last potato plant I just dug up. 

inaugural camping trip

We lucked into the best site in the whole campground this weekend. A tucked-away spot for whopping my husband in dominos, tipping back beer around the fire, and watching the full moon rise.

I couldn’t suppress my inner set decorator nerd and packed my favorite tablecloths along with the s’mores fixings. And the answer to whether it’s possible to cook cherry dumplings over a campfire? A resounding yes. I think you could actually hear Mike’s eyes roll when I busted out my jars of pre-mixed flour and cinnamon. He is a constant witness to my over-ambitious plans, but the dumplings were surprisingly easy. Car camping makes these dork-out moments possible. That and a cast-iron pan.

We came home smelling like river swimming, campfire and bug spray. Glorious.