Happy 2nd Birthday at Yosemite

We stayed outside of Yosemite--the closest we could get to the park.  We left at 5am to drive to the park with our bikes for a day of exploring the park via bike.

Neil posed for a birthday picture under "El Capitan" the Claire and Nolan joined him for a "family cheese" as Neil likes to say.  We had a picnic breakfast in the meadow looking up at El Capitan and then biked through the valley.  The granite cliffs towered 3,600 ft overhead.

For lunch we went to the historic Majestic Yosemite Hotel and celebrated with cake and ice cream.
We completed our loop at went back to the campground to cool off at the pool--it is 109.  Sleeping with out air conditioning is a challenge in the little cabin.

We had breakfast for dinner--bacon on the grill and pancakes and eggs before Neil opened his gifts.  His favorite gift was the toy sabre tooth tiger.

The following day we left at 6am with our bikes and a new plan.  Swimming at the park!  Seeing this park by bike is amazing and the way to see the park.  We had lunch on the granite sand beach and watched as people floated down the icy cold river--unfortunately you have to be 50lbs to rent a raft so Claire and Neil are out but we went swimming in the cold, cold water. So amazing floating in the water, surrounded by sequoia's and towering cliffs.  In all a perfect day.

Camping near Santa Cruz

Happy Campers after a "no driving" day!

Change of plans.  The fires in the Big Sur halted our plans for camping and hiking there.  We were tired of driving each day so set up camp at a KOA near Santa Cruz.  S'mores, popcorn and a relief from the hot temps are welcome.  

Camping at KOA

After a no driving day filled with biking, swimming and jumping the kids went to bed early.  There is a little train that goes around the campground in the morning--as soon as Neil hears it he starts running as fast as possible his little legs flying to catch it.  



Today we drove through some seaside coastal towns and then to a 1880's steam train that goes through a native redwood forest.  

The mist falls into this entire region each afternoon.  At night it is foggy that everything is obscured.  You get damp walking to the restroom from our cabin.

Misty Nights

San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery

Male elephant seals filled the rocky beach. They slept, taking breaks from resting to throw sand upon themselves and to fight for a spot amongst all of the other seals.  They sounded as they were burping and belching as they fought for dominances.  Claire liked their long noses.  This for sure was a highlight of the trip.  It was amazing to watch these seals.  The smoke from the fires in the area is getting worse--we changed our plans.  No camping in the Big Sur or hikes due to the fires.  We had a wonderful lunch and a beautiful drive even with the smoke.