On our way south through Oregon and Northern California, we spent a couple nights in Walmart parking lots. Although convenient, I'd say we much prefer where we woke up this morning: Camp 4 at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite. On the historic register as the official birth place of rock climbing. Where coyotes act like pets and we can spend $5 a night to sleep like kings in the valley. Being in a place like this makes the trip feel back on track.
We arrived in Crater Lake exactly one week ago to a shockingly low amount of snow. As we approached through the national forest and climbed in elevation, the roads remained bare right up to the rim. Sunset greeted us as we parked for the night at the Rim Village. (It's become a game to see how often we can camp for free. If there's a sign specifically stating "No Overnight Parking" then we're out of luck, but otherwise, we've been pretty successful). I popped open the trunk of the teardrop and heated my mom's homemade chili with grilled cheese for dinner. Seated in camp chairs in the vacant parking lot, we watched the sky fade from pink to cloudy blue. The next morning, we offered bacon, eggs, and coffee to backpackers emerging from the trail. One fellow from California didn't even have a sleeping bag, and after some discussion of his plans to explore Washington, we gave him a space blanket. The visitor center provided the classic oval sticker for our bumper and its film explained the history of Mt Mazama blowing it's lid and filling the crater with deep, clear water. We set off around the rim for a short snowshoe that still turned our legs to stone the next day. We need to get in a little better shape for this endeavor! After seeing a great snapshot of what Crater Lake had to offer, we headed towards the border. The California border that is... Despite Brian's warnings, I was still shocked to see an international-esque checkpoint on our two lane highway.
Feeling ready for a re-charge, Sharon and Ken graciously opened their home to us in Stockton, CA for a relaxing weekend. Everything from the basket of toiletries in the bathroom to the amazing steak and salmon off the grill... It was the 5 star treatment. These 49er fans even watched the Seahawks game with us on Sunday! That's true love. Thank you Sharon, Ken, and Missy for feeding us, treating us like royalty, and providing a wonderful place to plan our next leg of the trip.
After a brief set-back on Monday and Tuesday, the trailer has new wheel bearings (and luckily) the same axle. About 2 miles from the Yosemite entrance, the trailer's lack of maintenance (and grease) proved itself and needed to be towed to a mechanic. We camped without the trailer the way we know best: with a campfire and our tent. Now the Nest is rolling just fine and we are still camping beneath Yosemite's gorgeous granite walls... And shockingly again, with no snow. The nights dip below freezing but daytime hiking in the sun is toasty. On Wednesday morning, we left from our camp site up the trailhead to Yosemite Point. 4.2 miles one-way, 3200 feet of gain, spectacular views of Yosemite Falls, and a leg straining uphill climb. Since the last mile was slippery and icy, we were alone at the top for an unbridled view of Half Dome. Last night I made pinto beans, rice, and grilled onions & peppers. We even had the luxury of avocado and sour cream! Day 4 without a shower, we are camped out in the historic (and very formal) Ahwahnee Hotel. I flirted my way into some wifi and we are resting these sore bodies. We plan to stay in Yosemite until the weather turns bad and the forecast is just endless sun.
We arrived in Crater Lake exactly one week ago to a shockingly low amount of snow. As we approached through the national forest and climbed in elevation, the roads remained bare right up to the rim. Sunset greeted us as we parked for the night at the Rim Village. (It's become a game to see how often we can camp for free. If there's a sign specifically stating "No Overnight Parking" then we're out of luck, but otherwise, we've been pretty successful). I popped open the trunk of the teardrop and heated my mom's homemade chili with grilled cheese for dinner. Seated in camp chairs in the vacant parking lot, we watched the sky fade from pink to cloudy blue. The next morning, we offered bacon, eggs, and coffee to backpackers emerging from the trail. One fellow from California didn't even have a sleeping bag, and after some discussion of his plans to explore Washington, we gave him a space blanket. The visitor center provided the classic oval sticker for our bumper and its film explained the history of Mt Mazama blowing it's lid and filling the crater with deep, clear water. We set off around the rim for a short snowshoe that still turned our legs to stone the next day. We need to get in a little better shape for this endeavor! After seeing a great snapshot of what Crater Lake had to offer, we headed towards the border. The California border that is... Despite Brian's warnings, I was still shocked to see an international-esque checkpoint on our two lane highway.
Feeling ready for a re-charge, Sharon and Ken graciously opened their home to us in Stockton, CA for a relaxing weekend. Everything from the basket of toiletries in the bathroom to the amazing steak and salmon off the grill... It was the 5 star treatment. These 49er fans even watched the Seahawks game with us on Sunday! That's true love. Thank you Sharon, Ken, and Missy for feeding us, treating us like royalty, and providing a wonderful place to plan our next leg of the trip.
After a brief set-back on Monday and Tuesday, the trailer has new wheel bearings (and luckily) the same axle. About 2 miles from the Yosemite entrance, the trailer's lack of maintenance (and grease) proved itself and needed to be towed to a mechanic. We camped without the trailer the way we know best: with a campfire and our tent. Now the Nest is rolling just fine and we are still camping beneath Yosemite's gorgeous granite walls... And shockingly again, with no snow. The nights dip below freezing but daytime hiking in the sun is toasty. On Wednesday morning, we left from our camp site up the trailhead to Yosemite Point. 4.2 miles one-way, 3200 feet of gain, spectacular views of Yosemite Falls, and a leg straining uphill climb. Since the last mile was slippery and icy, we were alone at the top for an unbridled view of Half Dome. Last night I made pinto beans, rice, and grilled onions & peppers. We even had the luxury of avocado and sour cream! Day 4 without a shower, we are camped out in the historic (and very formal) Ahwahnee Hotel. I flirted my way into some wifi and we are resting these sore bodies. We plan to stay in Yosemite until the weather turns bad and the forecast is just endless sun.