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!
Rebecca Hoover
July 3, 2010 at 10:28 amScottsdale’s going to be suuuper hot, we’re going up for the 4th, call me crazy. Bring your bathing suit.
Beth
July 3, 2010 at 10:45 amGo to pita jungle in Scottsdale. I think it’s right up your alley!
janetha b
July 5, 2010 at 9:53 pmpita jungle is AMAZING. yep, go there.
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
July 3, 2010 at 10:49 amHaha, 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 🙂
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
July 3, 2010 at 10:50 amSo many snacks! I always take 10 x more than I need too, so I have a choice 🙂
Have a good road trip – sounds fun!
Colette
July 3, 2010 at 10:50 amI 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
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
July 3, 2010 at 11:07 amHave a blast!
VeggieGirl
July 3, 2010 at 11:08 amCan’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
Ameena
July 3, 2010 at 11:09 amTemperatures 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!
Melissa @ For the Love of Health
July 3, 2010 at 11:12 amHave a blast! Great looking food!
Check out my blog for my giveaway!
Alex
July 3, 2010 at 11:23 amAha! I knew that’s who the boy was!
M
July 3, 2010 at 7:42 pmShe’s given so many clues… It has been pretty obvious that she’s dating Adam! 🙂
Annie@stronghealthyfit
July 3, 2010 at 11:28 amYou’re hilarious packing those sandals! Love it. Have a great weekend!
Linda
July 3, 2010 at 11:44 amHi 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.
Monique@She's Going The Distance
July 3, 2010 at 11:50 amWow, that’s quite the spread!! Have SOOOOO much fun!! And climb Half Dome 🙂 do it!!!!
Alyson @ Nourished Fitness
July 3, 2010 at 11:54 amHow 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!
Suzanne de Cornelia
July 3, 2010 at 11:56 amWhen 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!!
Krystina
July 3, 2010 at 11:56 amHave fun!
jenny
July 3, 2010 at 11:59 amI KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😉
Melissa@Vegan CacaoBee
July 3, 2010 at 12:03 pmIt’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!
Kerri Beth
July 3, 2010 at 12:03 pmHave a great trip! Don’t fall while taking awesome photos.
Kaz
July 3, 2010 at 12:13 pmHave fun! I’m sure you’ll have a great time. 😀
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston
July 3, 2010 at 12:17 pmHave fun!! Can’t wait to hear all about it and see pictures!!
MMiller
July 3, 2010 at 12:23 pmHave 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!
jenny
July 3, 2010 at 12:54 pmI agree…..i would love to see some cute pics plz 🙂
Rachel @ Balance and Blueberries
July 3, 2010 at 12:38 pmHave a blast! Yosemite is calling my name….only in August. AND I CAN’T WAIT!
Rebecca
July 3, 2010 at 12:48 pmHave tons of fun!! I would pack all of the same types of food. Chocolate and kiwi is a must. 🙂
Helen
July 3, 2010 at 12:57 pmLoving the food, you are certainly prepared!! Hope it all goes well and you get there and back in one piece.
Andrea
July 3, 2010 at 1:05 pmYou’re coming to my home in PHOENIX!?! If you need any suggestions for food or drink let me know!
Lola
July 3, 2010 at 1:10 pmI knew it!!!
Becky
July 3, 2010 at 1:42 pmYeah please don’t wear gold wedges in Yosemite. People will laugh and take photos. Stick to the hiking boots!!
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
July 3, 2010 at 2:18 pmYou will have a great time. If all else fails head to the fancy lodge.
Jackie (Peaces of Earth)
July 3, 2010 at 2:28 pmI cannot WAIT to go to Yosemite one day. I live in San Diego so I really have no excuse. Have fun!!!
Kim
July 3, 2010 at 2:46 pmI 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.
Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales
July 3, 2010 at 2:51 pmI hope you have a great time over the weekend. Good plan taking so many snacks, it’s good to have a choice!
Natasha
July 3, 2010 at 3:02 pmI could not help but notice the Eiffel Tower wine rack… where did you get it?
Natasha
July 11, 2010 at 1:54 pmPretty please?
Cynthia (It All Changes)
July 3, 2010 at 3:16 pmI love your important packing list 🙂
Alyssa
July 3, 2010 at 3:58 pmHey 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.
Marcia
July 3, 2010 at 4:26 pmFunny, two of my local neighbor mom-buddies and their spouses and girls are all camping at Yosemite this weekend too. Have fun!!
GirlonRaw
July 3, 2010 at 5:08 pmI 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!
Camille
July 3, 2010 at 5:23 pmI 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!
Alyssa
July 3, 2010 at 7:02 pmJenna, you crack me up! As long as you have the wine, you don’t need food…silly, silly girl 🙂 Have fun!!
~Alyssa
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
July 3, 2010 at 7:06 pmHave fun at Yosemitie!!!
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
July 3, 2010 at 7:07 pmHave fun at Yosemitie!!
Laura (Starloz)
July 3, 2010 at 7:17 pmHave fun.
Sandy
July 3, 2010 at 7:48 pmTake 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.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
July 3, 2010 at 9:00 pmyou have to be prepared for ANYTHING with camping…although i doubt you’ll need your dress and wedges…but still. be prepared 🙂
Kim
July 3, 2010 at 9:03 pmAccomplishing 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!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
July 4, 2010 at 4:05 amBetter safe than sorry! I always pack a TON of food for my trips as well..haha. 😀
Have fun, girly!! Take lots of pics. 😀
jassy
July 4, 2010 at 6:25 amenjoy your trip to yosemite 🙂
happy 4th 🙂
Kristin (Salty Tooth)
July 4, 2010 at 6:39 amHave a safe trip to Yosemite! Happy 4th!
Kelly
July 4, 2010 at 7:32 amI 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!
Sara
July 4, 2010 at 7:33 amI love how prepared you are, with all your snack!! So smart! Haha. Have lots of fun!! 🙂
Anne @ Food Loving Polar Beara
July 4, 2010 at 7:44 amI love Yosemite, I’ve been there once and fell in love 🙂 have a great 4th of July there!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
July 4, 2010 at 9:25 amEnjoy 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 🙂
Heather
July 4, 2010 at 10:00 amHave 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! 🙂
Felicia
July 4, 2010 at 10:16 amHave a great weekend in Yosemite! Jenna, you should check out today’s Travel section of the LA Times- the featured destination is Healdsburg!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
July 4, 2010 at 11:07 amHave fun girl!! And you’re right… you don’t want to be in a desperate situation in the wilderness without your LaraBars 😉
Stephanie
July 4, 2010 at 1:14 pmI would hike every peak in Yosemite just for the chocolate alone. Lindt’s sea salt is epic!
Steffi
July 4, 2010 at 3:58 pmShout 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.
Michelle
July 5, 2010 at 12:54 amI’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!
Julia @ Brit Bride
July 5, 2010 at 1:55 amSounds 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
Katherine
July 5, 2010 at 4:30 amyou’re girl-scout style prepared there. have a good time!
Tina
July 5, 2010 at 7:20 amI hope your trip has been a lot of fun so far! It sure sounds like an amazing experience. 🙂
Jamie
July 5, 2010 at 10:36 amHave 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
Sassy Molassy
July 5, 2010 at 10:44 amI hope the boyfriend was pleased with your food selection! Looks like a nice stash for the weekend.
Erinn
July 5, 2010 at 2:04 pmanother 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!!
Kasey
July 5, 2010 at 2:05 pmEnjoy your trip!!!
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
July 5, 2010 at 2:58 pmooooh I cant wait to hear all about your adventures!!! Have fun!!!
jennifer
July 5, 2010 at 9:00 pmPhoenix 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!
Mai
July 5, 2010 at 10:50 pmOh 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.