We’re Home…

The last couple days since the kids left haven’t been too much fun.  I’ve had some gastric upset and spent most of the two days right near the trailer and in my bed. It was nice having the laptop and the generator to watch some DVDs anyway.  I am better now despite arriving to 107 degrees here in Clovis!  Phew…

This morning we got up and packed up things and decided to drive the six miles down the canyon to use the dump site at Princess Campground.  As we were leaving and ready to turn onto Hwy 180, we saw a large brown bear cross the road entering Crystal Springs Campground.  We scrambled for the camera and despite his slow movement he was into the woods before I could get a really good shot of him.  He was totally uninterested in us, that’s for sure.  On our way out of the park we stopped at Grant’s Grove Village and split a hamburger for lunch and showed the ranger our bear photo.  They have seen this bear around the village many times.  Anyway, it was fun for us to see it.  I forgot to say they have finished the new entrance to the park.  Here is a photo of it upon our departure. 

We aren’t sure where our next trip will be, maybe just back up the mountain to get away from this heat…

July 6, 2013 Azalea Campground

Our day began with a delightful breakfast prepared by the DeLa Peña’s.  Deb and Sam certainly know how to spoil fellow campers!  Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs… delicious!  Once we were all stuffed we headed out to the General Grant Trail to take that little walk.  They have new signs up just since last year, along with a new brochure to go with the numbered trail.  It was pretty exciting to see a deer resting the the shady shadows right below the General Grant tree!  (Third largest tree in the world) When we got back from there Steven and Saira started packing up to head home. They had a quick snack with us before leaving.  John and I relaxed most of the afternoon while the rest of the family went to the visitor’s center and looked around up there.  Dinner was grilled chicken done by Sam and Deb, along with corn on the cob done by Jeff on our fire pit, salads rounded out the meal.  During our campfire a raccoon came to the table by the grill and got on it’s hind legs and brazenly stole a bag of chips!  He scuttled off pretty fast and was only a blur in my attempted photo.  However, he came back for MORE and I at least got a photo if his eyes and this one of this one of his back side at that time.  Our went into the night and we had a great time.

 

The Family Arrived

We awoke to another beautiful morning.  So happy the rest of the kids will join us today.  Steven and Saira went for a long bike ride and then went up to Grant’s Grove Village for a shower and to get supplies like ice, etc.  Deb and Sam with kids rolled in before 2pm and we relaxed a bit with a cold drink before they set up.  The decided to turn their tent trailer around to have the opening where it was more convenient, when suddenly the trailer started to drift down the slope.  Woo Hoo… it was saved easily enough but got the adrenaline pumping for sure!  As Sam said, “We had it under control.  We’re men, even if we don’t have it under control, we have it under control.”  Hahahaha…  Jeff and Miranda arrived about 6:30.  The rest of the day was mostly spent in archery lessons for everyone.  Steven brought his bow and arrows and even Miranda gave it a go with her daddy’s help.  Deb and Sam grilled burgers for dinner and we enjoyed the campfire with S’mores for those who wanted them.  John and I were tired and went to bed shortly after Miranda and Julie,  close to 11pm.  Most of the others talked until about midnight.  A great day, especially to me such a blessing… because I cannot recall a time the kids were camping together and having such a good time. 

Independence Day 2013

John and I had a great night of sleep but too bad for Steven and Saira their mattress went flat.  We had our coffee and used the trailer for washing up.  John and I washed our hair at the bathroom wash tubs in cold water, but it actually felt refreshing and good.  We headed up to Grant Grove Village to see the parade.  We went up early so we would be sure to find a place to park so we had time to go through the visitors center as well.  We had a burger in the village at the café because hunger over came us.  The parade was nice, short and fun to watch.  It was an afternoon rest for all of us.  Steven and Saira took a bike ride.  Then we played cards and that was followed by a Taco salad for dinner.  I took a ride around on the bikes as well, John needed to rest.  He still doesn’t have all his energy back from the surgery.  We took a walk around the campground in the dark to see the stars…So beautiful. After that we were laughing and having a good time when some lady came and “shushed” us.  Gosh, it wasn’t even 10pm yet… but we apologized and went to bed shortly after that.  It’s not like we are really rowdy!!!  Oh well.  

July 3, 2013 Azalea Campground

We woke to such a lovely and quiet morning with birds chirping, we just listened to that for a while before we got up and had our coffee.  We went for a nice walk this morning and saw remnants of the that must have been beautiful a few months ago.  Steven and Saira showed up about 2pm and were busy setting up their tent, pumping up the mattress, erecting an umbrella, chopping wood, situating their ice chest and generally setting up.  Of course after that Steven was starving so they had left over ribs I brought along and an assortment of veggies.  We took them for a quick trip up to the area of the Visitor Center just to see the options there and what’s available in the market. We played a few games of Chinese Checkers and had grilled cheese sandwiches for our dinner. John and I are tired but Steven and Saira have energy and made a fire to roast marshmallows.  It was a lovely day.  It was fun to see Steven enjoying this after 4 years with no real opportunity to go camping.  We think the campground it full, but not entirely sure.  A lot of people came in today.  I’m glad we have a space secured for the rest of the kids!

 

Campsite Change

When we got up here we discovered Azalea campground was open so we switched secured the two sites for the whole family and canceled the Princess site.  This is better since all the kids are coming and the sites are bigger as well.  In addition, there are no campfires allowed at Princess right now and they are allowed in Azalea so we are set!!!  It is delightfully cool at 81 degrees with a bit of a breeze.  Looking forward to 50 degrees overnight!