The day has finally come for Yosemite!!!!
I have to admit, last night I was feeling a tad stressed. I just feel like I have so much to do and there’s not enough time! We’re going to Yosemite today and coming back Monday, and then on Tuesday morning I’m headed to Scottsdale to visit a friend and go to another conference. I’ve never been to the Phoenix area at all so I’m really excited about the trip! More details on that when I get back from the wilderness.
This morning I woke up really early (even though I went to bed really late…meh) so I could get everything done and feel less overwhelmed. I ate a glo bar and was at Trader Joe’s at 7:55 buying cat food, at Flying Goat at 8:15 waiting in line for coffee, packing by 8:30, washing dishes at 8:40 and blogging by 9!
The boyfriend knows what’s good for him and put me in charge of all the weekend wilderness snacks and games.
You just never know, people. You never know. My mother taught me to always be prepared for every situation, hence why I’m bringing sea salt chocolate and kiwis. I’m also packing a cute Jcrew sundress and gold wedge sandals. And wine. Lots of wine.
I’m stocking up on my greens now because who knows when I’ll see baby spinach again.
Farewell sweet vegetables! I shall now survive on bread and peanut butter for the next few days (twist my arm).
I’m off to work an event at work and then we are headed straight to Yosemite…hoping to get there around 8:00. The last time we took a road trip together it took 10 hours (instead of the normal 3) so I’m hoping for the best tonight. We are hiking the Panoramic Trail tomorrow—anyone done this? Half Dome scared the bejesus out of me after I read that 60 people died from falling off the cliff, so we are sticking to something a little easier….and downhill.
4th of Julys of the past:
2010 in Yosemite!
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
Scottsdale’s going to be suuuper hot, we’re going up for the 4th, call me crazy. Bring your bathing suit.
Go to pita jungle in Scottsdale. I think it’s right up your alley!
pita jungle is AMAZING. yep, go there.
Haha, I love that you’re packing gold heals for ‘camping’. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Nice call on the sea salted dark chocolate
So many snacks! I always take 10 x more than I need too, so I have a choice
Have a good road trip – sounds fun!
I live in Phoenix and it is H-O-T!!! Yesterday was just over 115* I think. But it’s a dry heat…
Thank you air conditioning! It’s supposed to “cool off” to closer to 105* this weekend. haha
Have a blast!
Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
Temperatures were blazing the few times I’ve been in Arizona! It is literally like an oven…hopefully Yosemite will be chilly enough to make you welcome the heat in Scottsdale!
Have a blast! Great looking food!
Check out my blog for my giveaway!
Aha! I knew that’s who the boy was!
She’s given so many clues… It has been pretty obvious that she’s dating Adam!
You’re hilarious packing those sandals! Love it. Have a great weekend!
Hi Jenna,
I worked as a park ranger in Yosemite in 08 and 09. The Panorama trail is GEORGOUS!!! You will love it. Are you taking a bus up to Glacier Point and then hiking down? Or, you can hike up to Glacier Point and then hike down the panorama trail for a 14 mile hike you will never forget. Have fun.
Wow, that’s quite the spread!! Have SOOOOO much fun!! And climb Half Dome
do it!!!!
How exciting! I live in Scottsdale, and it’s definitely toasty but lots of great things to keep cool and activities to enjoy (if you’re looking for restaurant, yoga, workout recommendations while in town, let me know!). Happy 4th!
When in Scottsdale the historic old Biltmore Hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is definitely a must see if only for a drink and stroll. Great photo ops! http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/about/
About an hour away just before city limits of Sedona–the Church of the Red Rocks is super impressive and moving to see, as is the history of why built etc. http://www.flagstaffcentral.com/Images/NaturePictures/Sedona/church-of-red-rocks-300pix.jpg
In town, the Auberge de Soleil is on a pretty river with a deck that is pleasant for lunch.
Have a great trip!!
Have fun!
I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s only the very last part (aka the part with the steel cables) of the Half Dome trail that is, well, treacherous, I guess. There is a great view almost at the very end at the top of all the steps (actual rocks stairs and not slippery rocks). It’s a really fun, diverse trail (and downhill on the way back)! Hope you have a great time!
Have a great trip! Don’t fall while taking awesome photos.
Have fun! I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
Have fun!! Can’t wait to hear all about it and see pictures!!
Have a great time Jenna! I had “the Boy” right as well! Now that it is out of the bag can we start seeing some pictures? Can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get back! Hope the drive is an easy one this time!
I agree…..i would love to see some cute pics plz
Have a blast! Yosemite is calling my name….only in August. AND I CAN’T WAIT!
Have tons of fun!! I would pack all of the same types of food. Chocolate and kiwi is a must.
Loving the food, you are certainly prepared!! Hope it all goes well and you get there and back in one piece.
You’re coming to my home in PHOENIX!?! If you need any suggestions for food or drink let me know!
I knew it!!!
Yeah please don’t wear gold wedges in Yosemite. People will laugh and take photos. Stick to the hiking boots!!
You will have a great time. If all else fails head to the fancy lodge.
I cannot WAIT to go to Yosemite one day. I live in San Diego so I really have no excuse. Have fun!!!
I live in Phoenix and I think evenings are wonderful during the summer. So, stay inside during the day and go out at night. Too bad you’re not coming here during the winter….I think you would really enjoy hiking Camelback!!
Have a blast in Yosemite….I was just there and I loved it.
I hope you have a great time over the weekend. Good plan taking so many snacks, it’s good to have a choice!
I could not help but notice the Eiffel Tower wine rack… where did you get it?
Pretty please?
I love your important packing list
Hey Jenna,
So I’ve been following you on your blog for probably over a year now, and I just felt like I wanted to tell you how I really enjoy seeing what a liberated person you have become. You just have such a truthful and honest quality in your writing and it’s really beautiful and inspiring to read about.
Sorry if that’s totally random or weird.
With love from Seattle,
Alyssa A.
Funny, two of my local neighbor mom-buddies and their spouses and girls are all camping at Yosemite this weekend too. Have fun!!
I loved Scotsdale. I was there for a weekend in April when I was visiting my gal pal, Kristen of KristensRaw and I want to go back and live there!!!
Enjoy Yosemite. Lots of fun ahead!
I did the Panorama trail last week and it was gorgeous! There is a part where you can branch off on to the Mist Trail which is a bunch of steep steps where you get soaked by a waterfall.
Honestly, Half Dome was scary. I did some research in to fatalities when I got back to my hotel and turns out that only (not to say it’s okay!) 2 people have fallen for no real reason. 2 other people fell while trying to climb when the chains were down in a storm… which just has bad news written all over it! The fatalities weren’t as extreme as I expected, but I guess even 1 is bad.
It was quite an accomplishment though, I put it up there next to my marathon as one of the coolest, most rewarding things I have ever done!
Jenna, you crack me up! As long as you have the wine, you don’t need food…silly, silly girl
Have fun!!
~Alyssa
Have fun at Yosemitie!!!
Have fun at Yosemitie!!
Have fun.
Take plenty of water on your hike. I don’t know if this is the hike we did there one time that was “all downhill” but there was an uphill in the middle of it. We thought there was a water source in the middle of the hike. It wasn’t there. We didn’t have enough water and it was HOT. It will be hotter in the interior than at the coast so just be prepared for the temperature and have plenty of water on your hike.
you have to be prepared for ANYTHING with camping…although i doubt you’ll need your dress and wedges…but still. be prepared
Accomplishing Half Dome was so worth the risk. I want to do it again but I hear you need to get a permit and they run out pretty much immediately after they are available. Vernon (sp?) falls is a nice hike too, and on the way toward Half Dome. Hope you’re having fun!
Better safe than sorry! I always pack a TON of food for my trips as well..haha.
Have fun, girly!! Take lots of pics.
enjoy your trip to yosemite
happy 4th
Have a safe trip to Yosemite! Happy 4th!
I am so the same way when it comes to being prepared with food. I wasn’t a reader in 2008, but I’m glad to see that you have visited the NC mountains. I may be partial but they’re my favorite mountains.
Have a safe and wonderful trip to Yosemite!
I love how prepared you are, with all your snack!! So smart! Haha. Have lots of fun!!
I love Yosemite, I’ve been there once and fell in love
have a great 4th of July there!
Enjoy your trip! The last time The Boy and I went camping, I lived off of rolls, pretzels, hummus, and OJ for the weekend. Bread and peanut butter are also good camping foods
Have a great camping trip! I live in Scottsdale, if you need any info while you’re in town feel free to contact me! And bring plenty of clothing that will keep you cool!
Have a great weekend in Yosemite! Jenna, you should check out today’s Travel section of the LA Times- the featured destination is Healdsburg!
Have fun girl!! And you’re right… you don’t want to be in a desperate situation in the wilderness without your LaraBars
I would hike every peak in Yosemite just for the chocolate alone. Lindt’s sea salt is epic!
Shout out from a Phoenician. Enjoy your camping!
If you end of doing a blogger meet up in Phoenix, let me know! And def bring your suit, as it it H-O-T. Many great yoga studios and gyms, restaurants, wine bars, so just hollar out to us locals and I am sure we can steer you in the right direction.
I’ve climbed Half Dome before, and I promise, it’s not that bad! It was such an incredible feeling to get to the top. Definitely recommended to do it at least once!
Sounds like a fabulous weekend!! Jealous.
p.s. having a pair of gold heels on you is essential at all times – I totally concur.
Julia xxx
you’re girl-scout style prepared there. have a good time!
I hope your trip has been a lot of fun so far! It sure sounds like an amazing experience.
Have a fabulous time camping, since moving to CA one year ago with my husband he has convinced me to go camping in the Mojave desert and the Angeles National Forest. There are no words to describe how exhilarating these experiences were. Getting over the fear produces an incredible rush!
I read this article the other day and thought of you and Caitlin, since you rode the Century race. It’s an award winning piece based upon how well written it is, thought you might enjoy it as a writer and cyclist:
http://www.bicycle.net/2007/broken-by-bicyclingcom
I hope the boyfriend was pleased with your food selection! Looks like a nice stash for the weekend.
another shout out from a local-yocal in Phoenix!! If you decide to do a meet-up, there are a ton of great restaurants in downtown, not just Scottsdale. Hope you enjoyed the cool air in Yosemite as you’ll be in “the furnace” in a few days!!
Enjoy your trip!!!
ooooh I cant wait to hear all about your adventures!!! Have fun!!!
Phoenix is AMAZING — it is a shame that you came out in July because you are limited in the number of activities you can safely do in the heat but even when remaining in doors (or holding vampire schedules) there is soooo much to do, see, and eat. Oh my! The eating! There are a plethora of tasty restaurants for you to ponder. Welcome to my hometown!
Oh man, I’ve done half dome multiple times (grew up in California, San Francisco actually and Yosemite was a yearly trip), and it still ranks as one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. The cables are a bit scary, but not too bad, and as long as you stay away from the edges the top is safe. There’s a lot of room up there so it’s just a matter of not being an idiot.
Most of the people who have died on half-dome have done it by leaning out over the edge or just plain being dumb (ie. climbing it when there were thunderstorm warnings – bad, bad idea).
If you ever go back to Yosemite (and I hope you do as it is really really beautiful), you should definitely do it. It’s hard, and its a LONG hike and it can be disappointing to get almost all the way there and not do the last bit due to thunderstorm warnings but it’s an unbelievable view from the top. Also, clouds rest is well worth the hike. It’s the highest point in Yosemite, and at 12,000 ft one of the highest points in California. It’s beautiful up there too.