Because Dad isn't going to hike the John Muir Trail this year, we've scheduled family mini-vacations all throughout the summer instead. This will probably be our last summer with everyone at home, so we're trying to make it count. Our first mini-vacation was to the woods! We packed up on Saturday, and on Monday morning we took off to Yosemite with backpacks, bikes, and kids in tow. 
Takeoff from the trail head in Tuolumne Meadows. Lightest pack: estimated 28 lb (Levi), heaviest pack: estimated 44 lb (Dad). With everyone else in between.
And we're off with Bandanas, hiking poles, sun glasses, and more.
Bug spray, the most important thing you can bring hiking. One must protect oneself from the ravenous hordes of mosquitoes!!
We believe in the buddy system, Luke and Levi were the leading pair. We also believe in lolli pops. They make hiking happier...
No comment.
Our destination was Young Lake. There are actually three Young Lakes, but we camped at the first and hiked up to the second and third the next day. This was the last fork in the road.
When we finally reached camp after hiking about 6.5 miles and climbing an estimated bagillion feet in elevation, everyone took a break.
Oh, except for Bandit Dad, he was ready to hike another 12 miles.
Everyone found a comfy rock to lay out on, and we sunned like lizards.
At camp...
Kitchens are an important part of camping. This was our fridge, and below you will see our lovely kitchen, complete with granite counter tops and propane stoves.
Dinner consisted of Jumbalaya, broccoli soup, and cheese cake for dessert!!
Yes, one should always eat cheesecake while backpacking. It is essential.
Here's a picture of Young Lake, and the mountains surrounding it at about dusk. To the right, out of the picture was Ragged Peak, the mountain that towered over us for the duration of our stay
We were all very prepared for the chilly weather in the morning, especially Luke.
The camera was dying, so we don't have many pictures of the second day, but this is all of us at lunch time, hiking out on Tuesday.
After we reached Babe once again, we drove to Rainbow Pool and dunked, cleaning off the worst of the grime!! (It was ridiculously cold, I don't think I understood the word breath-taking until I jumped in that water...)
Overall, our first adventure was considered a rousing success. We came home to find our house thoroughly heart-attacked, with hearts even in the fridge!
Update on the rest of the family:
- Evening Water Polo and a.m. swim practice have commenced for the kids
- This weekend we are having stake conference, and Elder Ballard, of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles is coming to speak to us. (http://www.lds.org/church/leaders/quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles?lang=eng)
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