Day 12: Sequoia National Forest

June 29th: I actually got a good nights sleep and didn't wake up until 7:15.  I was able to work out in the "club house" area of the RV park that had great floor space, a small kitchen, large couches with a Flat screen TV and  pool table. 

After breakfast we headed off to Sequoia National Forest which was about an hour and a half drive. On the way in we stopped at a taco stand for authentic Mexican Food. 

 We arrived in the park around 12:30 and I was amazed by the gigantic trees.  It is hard to believe how long these trees have been in existence, since the 1800's.  Some of these trees are  265 feet tall. 

When we reached the museum a baby bear was ambling by the parking lot. It drew a large crowd. 

On the way out of the park we even drove through a set of trees. 

A highlight of our trip back to our camp was an amazing fresh fruit stand for some fresh fruits and veggies and finding a Marie Callender's Restaurant to get pies. 

Tomorrow we head to Yosemity National Park which is just a few hours from here.  

Day 11: Tulare, California

This has been a very long day. I was up at 5:30 thinking it was 6:30 and by the time I figured it out, it wasn't worth going back to sleep so I got ready and we left the campground by 7:45.  We had a really long drive ahead of us. The terrain changed several times. 

 Around lunch we were running out of gas and the only gas station was in historic Route 66 at...$4.99 a gallon.  I about died. $70.00 later we were on the road again. 

We saw a huge windmill farm about 100 miles before our destination. 

We reached Sun and Fun RV park at 5:15, got settled in then went looking for dinner, a gas station and a Walmart. We stopped at an awesome Chinese restaurant. They served the biggest bowl of wonton soup I had ever seen. 

Tomorrow we don't have to rush but will be headed an hour away to see the sequoia trees.  I am looking forward to that!

Day 10: Grand Canyon

June 27.  Today we were up and on the road by 7:50. It was hard to say goodbye to Greg since he would be catching a flight around 10:00 from Phoenix.  Jackie and Cassidy took him to the airport.  We did see a wild boar in our campground this morning. That was quite a sight. 

Our drive to our next campground, KOA Williams was only 2 1/2 hours so we got there and checked in by 10:30. We saved a little money because they only had sites with electric and water available. After lunch we headed the 45 minutes to the Grand Canyon.  

I must say that it is definitely one of the most beautiful sights ever.  We watched a short video on how the canyon was created then took a bus ride to 3 different view points.  

On the way out of the park we saw a huge elk just lying in the trees.  

 We returned to camp around dinner time and the boys headed to the pool with my parents while I made dinner.

 

 The boys even made friends with two boys in the camper next door from South Africa.  Off to bed early because tomorrow we have a long drive to Tulare, California. 

Day 9: Movie Day

It was so nice today getting up when I wanted with no major plans.  Camden and Carter had stayed last night with Aunt Jackie and Uncle Tom at their campsite by the lake.  They enjoyed the morning at the fish hatchery. 

I was able to get up today, run a 2 1/2 miles, eat breakfast and shower with out having to rush. Greg and I took Cayson to get a few groceries and wash the car.  The cousins came around 11:00 for a hot dog lunch and then we all beat the heat by going to see the movie Inside Out.  We really enjoyed it. When we came back it was time for the pool. 

    After swimming and enjoying pool games we had a delicious spaghetti dinner and celebrated Jackie's birthday and my parent's anniversary. 

 

Carissa and Brad ( her boyfriend) joined us around 7:00 for some time at the playground. 

Up early tomorrow for Greg to catch his flight and the rest of us are headed to the Grand Canyon.  

Day 8: Canyon Woods Lake

Today was the first day since we started this trip that we actually weren't driving anywhere. Finally!  We got up leisurely and had a big breakfast of sausage, eggs and waffles then got ready for the day. 

We met Tom and Jackie Kaye and the cousins (Greg's brother) at the lake about 30 minutes away.  

The boys enjoyed inner tubing and fishing .

 We also enjoyed kayaking.

 On the way back to our campground from the lake we stopped at the Rim.  How gorgeous !!

Tomorrow we have one more day of down time and we are hoping to see a movie and go swim.