Morning!
I tossed and turned ALL night. No clue why…some nights are just like that! When I woke up the sheets were wrapped like a little burrito around me. Anyone else have a weird sleeping night last night? Maybe it was the moon.
Quick bowl of cold cereal (Optimum) this morning because I have an early morning dentist appointment that I’m rushing to. Eek!
Today is a really busy day! I have three appointments spread out over the day and need to find some time to write and exercise, too. All I can think about though is Saturday because…..
I’m going to Yosemite!
Remember when we were talking about camping? The boyfriend (who is a big camper!) and I were talking about going over 4th of July weekend and for weeks, I’ve been mentally preparing myself for the whole shebang—sleeping on the ground, hanging food from the trees, eating beans from a can, training myself to pee in the meadows….
But then two days ago he tells me he had a surprise for me! He rented us an actual cabin in Yosemite to sort of “break me into camping”. Ain’t he sweet? We’ll have showers, a bed, a porch and a “bear resistant door” that locks. I can’t wait. I’ve never been to a National Park before and I’ve heard Yosemite is pretty life changing.
Anyone been? What has your experience been like?
Evan Thomas
June 30, 2010 at 7:29 amI’ve been dreading the dentist lately; I fear they’ll want my wisdom teeth. All the best!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
June 30, 2010 at 7:30 amHow exciting!!!! I’ve never been, but have always wanted to! My husband took a man’s trip to Yosemite a few years back, and I’ve always been a little bitter about not getting to go 🙂
You should watch the Newlyweds episode where Nick and Jessica go camping there in anticipation of your trip! 🙂
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
June 30, 2010 at 7:32 amI have been yo yosemite and actually camped there. You are going to love it, it’s so pretty. A cabin is a great way to ease into it. Have a great time.
Jessica @ How Sweet
June 30, 2010 at 7:32 amThat sounds like an awesome 4th of July. I would need a cabin to break me into camping, too!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
June 30, 2010 at 7:32 amoh, i LOVE camping, and we get to do a lot of it here in colorado! you’re going to have so much fun…make sure you bring your cast iron skillet though! that’s the only way to cook outdoors in my opinion 🙂
Bree
June 30, 2010 at 7:34 amYosemite is amazing, I need to go back! Have fun and enjoy your time there.
Ashley
June 30, 2010 at 7:35 amit’s a place that i’ve always wanted to go. please take lots of pictures. from what i see from documentaries and photos, its once of the most beautiful places in North America.
Jenna (Hello, I Love You)
June 30, 2010 at 7:38 amI have always wanted to visit Yosemite. What a nice bf! Have fun! 🙂
Heather @ Side of Sneakers
June 30, 2010 at 7:39 amThank goodness for bear-resistant doors (!!!) I love camping, but a cabin makes it even more fabulous 😉
rachael
June 30, 2010 at 7:40 amMy husband is a huge camper. I love going for a night or 2 but after that I am really happy to get home to a hot shower. A cabin in Yosemite sounds like an amazing 4th of July! Have fun!
Taylor @ Changing Habits
June 30, 2010 at 7:40 amMy experience at Yosemite is both wonderful and hilarious. The scenery is AmAzInGGGG!!! That’s the wonderful part. The hilarious part was that I was with my parent’s on vacation in San Francisco. We had to get the rental car back to San Fran by 10pm. Around 5 my dad realizes that we need to get going. Over the course of the next hour they start to freak out that we’re not going to make it back in time and thus, get charged for another day. So the dad is booking it down the MOUNTAINS that are Yosemite. He’s going like 60mph around the curves, my mom is up front freaking out while trying to house an In N Out burger, and I am in the back dying laughing. Literally, it was like something out of a reality show. You have to know my parent’s to get the full picture, but just imagine a bunch of crazies all stuffed into a coupe…hauling it through a national park at a rather high elevation.
eatmovelove
June 30, 2010 at 9:08 amThat just made my day! 🙂 Hah!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
June 30, 2010 at 7:41 amWe went as a family when I was very young…too young to appreciate the hiking, bears, and nature. Even as a wee little one I could smell the fresh air though. I remember the cabin being FREEZING at night and not being able to fall asleep because I was frozen. Also, I remember seeing a shadow of a bear outside our tent like cabin (not sure if that’s what you’re getting)…it freaked me out! I think it was just a blob though.
Bee @ Picture of Health
June 30, 2010 at 7:42 amI love camping! It looks so beautiful in Yosemite. Cabins are much more convenient, but tents can be a lot of fun too!
Karen
June 30, 2010 at 7:42 amsimply breath taking…enjoy….
Megan
June 30, 2010 at 7:45 amMy husband and I just went a few weeks ago! We did the whole backpacking-camping-sleep on the ground-with bear canisters-etc. for the first time (with a group of friends) and it was AMAZING! what a nice bf you have, to break you in to the whole thing…that is a GREAT idea! We had a great time, it was BEAUTIFUL, the only drawback was the heavy heavy pack and “bathrooms” in the wilderness…haha 🙂 enjoy!
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
June 30, 2010 at 7:46 amAhhhhh! You’re going to be blown away!!!!! I’ve never been to Yosemite (definitely on the list of places to go), but you honestly can’t go wrong with ANY of the national parks here in the US. They are all absolutely beautiful and life-changing. You’re gonna love it! The cabin will be the perfect way to get used to the whole wilderness thing…..
Kristen
June 30, 2010 at 7:49 amYosemite is beautiful! You should check out my friend Blog at http://yosemiteblog.com/. He’s got all kinds of info and things to do.
Jenny
June 30, 2010 at 7:50 amI’ve been camping, not at Yosemite, but it was amazing! Very sweet of the boy to break you in like that!
Daisy
June 30, 2010 at 7:50 amit has to have been something with the Moon. I experienced a night sleep similar to yours! interesting!!
I have never been to Yosemite, but I have been to Yellowstone National Park. Just breathtaking. You are going to have an amazing time!!
Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com
June 30, 2010 at 7:53 amSounds like you’re going to have a fantastic weekend!! I’m surprised you were able to get a cabin this late in the game. 🙂
SueP
June 30, 2010 at 7:57 amThe waterfalls, the sequoias, the mountains; Yosemite is awe-inspiring. Have a wonderful time!
(And if they have Huckleberry syrup in the store, BUY it!)
Elizabeth
June 30, 2010 at 8:00 amI too had a night of more tossing and turning than sleeping. What’s up with that?
Cabin-camping is TOTALLY my kind of camping. He does rule. Have a blast! I can’t wait to “hear” how much fun you had.
Elizabeth
MMiller
June 30, 2010 at 8:05 amYou will LOVE it Jenna! You are such an outdoor person! And how sweet of “The Boy” to get a cabin! I think you would also love tent camping! We always go to places that have bathroom facilities, but always tent camp! As a plus we try to have a site with water and electric hookups! Just makes things easier when camping with kids over the years! I can’t wait to read your posts and see your pictures! You are going to have a blast! Enjoy!
Deirdre
June 30, 2010 at 8:07 amYosemite is absolutely gorgeous. I went like 12 years ago with my aunt and uncle and loved it. The hiking is great too, but I would go early because the trails can be crowded on the weekends.
Jennifer
June 30, 2010 at 8:07 amI woke up so many times last night! It was unreal. I am so unrested for today 🙁
Hope you have fun!
Scargosun
June 30, 2010 at 8:11 amThat sounds AMAZING! I am so excited for you! I must have taken your good sleep vibes b/c I slept like a baby since the humidity FINALLY dropped here. 🙂 Have an awesome time!
Angela
June 30, 2010 at 8:12 amMy sister was married there in the chapel……so AWESOME!!!!!!! It is so beautiful & amazing there! Have a great time.
Chocolate Coated Runner
June 30, 2010 at 8:14 amI hate nights like that where u toss and turn until 4 am! But on a more positive note, Yosemite is soo pretty<33
Taysa (Water, Butter and Wine)
June 30, 2010 at 8:17 amWow, you’ve really never been to a National Park before? I feel like I grew up in them! Yosemite is beautiful. I’ve camped in the Wawona campground there which is by a river and a little more secluded than the campgrounds in the main part of the valley, so I highly suggest it when you decide you’re ready for the tent experience.
Stephanie
June 30, 2010 at 8:26 amnature + cabin = my kind of camping!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
June 30, 2010 at 8:36 amOh wow! I’ve never been but it sounds nice! Especially the bear resistant door part haha
Meg
June 30, 2010 at 8:41 amThat will be so fun to go “camping”! I bet you’ll really enjoy Yosemite. I’ve never been there but growing up my parents took us to lots of state parks and I still like to go there now. Don’t worry too much about the bears. Running into one is pretty uncommon and even then they are usually just interested in food. 🙂
Amber K @ sparkpeople
June 30, 2010 at 8:47 amI had a horrible time trying to sleep last night! I actually feel jittery this morning, probably from the plain lack of sleep.
Camping in a cabin should be fun! My least favorite part of camping is the whole sleeping on the ground thing!
Katie Heddleston
June 30, 2010 at 8:48 amYosemite sounds great and it is definitely on my wish-list of places to travel.
I’m with you on feeling like a burrito in your sheets last night! For me, there was a nice breeze throughout the house while sleeping with the windows open… apparently my body didn’t know if it wanted to be covered or uncovered as I woke up all tangled up!
Rachel
June 30, 2010 at 8:50 amHave fun! I’m DYING to go to Yosemite.
kristin
June 30, 2010 at 8:51 amnever been to yosemite, but was at yellowstone in may and it was certainly a life changing experience! have tons of fun. cant wait to hear about your trip!
R @ learningasichop.wordpress.com
June 30, 2010 at 8:54 amI slept awfully last night too. Perhaps moon it is!
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates)
June 30, 2010 at 9:03 amI love camping but I’ve never been to Yosemite…it looks beautiful!!!! My birthday is next weekend and my husband has planned a surprise trip for us. I have a sneaky suspicion that he’s planned a getaway to one of my favorite camping locations =D
Sharon
June 30, 2010 at 9:04 amCool! Yosemite is possibly my favorite place on earth. We go nearly every year, and will be going again in 2 weeks! Sounds like you’ll be staying in Curry Village. you will have communal showers unless there are cabins i don’t know about with their own shower/bath facilities….be sure to do the Mist trail to Vernal Falls, and continue on to Nevada Falls at least….(it’s actually just the beginning of the Half-Dome hike)-you can take the Muir Trail back down from either Vernal or Nevada for spectacular views of both Falls. I’d love to hike to Half Dome (we’ve never quite done it yet….you’ve gotta start before dawn to make it back before dark) but frankly i just want to hike to the base…i’m not really into getting to the summit. plus you now need tickets/reservations to do so. Also its fun to go to the Ahwahnee for drinks or a light lunch-Have a wonderful time!
eatmovelove
June 30, 2010 at 9:09 amAh roughing it – that’s the way to do it!
I’d LOVE to go there!
Becky
June 30, 2010 at 9:10 amBasically grew up in Yosemite. Went several times a year. Some of my best memories from childhood happened in Yosemite. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, and one of my happiest places on earth (second only to the Dordogne/Perigord in SW France). You are probably staying in Curry Village, which won’t be luxurious (if you are in a platform tent, there are shared bathroom facilities, etc), but it won’t be a tent in the woods. Unless you are up in Tuolumne Meadows (the “high country”), where, ironically, my parents are going this weekend (if it opens in time). But those aren’t really “cabins”- they are platform tents- and the high country isn’t really the iconic Yosemite people think of. But it is amazing in its own right. You will have a fabulous time.
Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
June 30, 2010 at 9:11 amAh, so jealous! I love the idea of camping, but I’ve definitely gotten a little more ‘picky’ as I’ve gotten older. I cherish sleep so much that I almost always require a bed! And a shower never hurt anybody. 🙂 That being said, some good time spent in the great outdoors is something that can’t be beat. It is calming and invigorating at the same time!
Becky
June 30, 2010 at 9:12 amPS- I second the suggestion to do the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, but be prepared to get SOAKED. It is AMAZING.
abbi
June 30, 2010 at 9:15 amYosemite is so breath-takinginly beautiful. There’s lots of wildlife aswell. So so wonderful and peaceful also. I only spent a day there as we were on holiday touring around california/nevada/arizona, but honestly, i could of stayed there forever. Sometimes the best views are found if you walk a little away from the road aswell (which you probably will… you’re camping, not driving through).
I found a cute little book in a shop, that has pictures of yosemite with quotes in it, lovely for nostalgic moments! *sigh*
have a great time (:
Kimberly
June 30, 2010 at 9:17 amI’ve never found the “bear box” to be reassuring since it indicates the presence of…bears. But the trip sounds fun! Yosemite is absolutely beautiful, be sure to hike to a waterfall and see the view from half dome!
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies
June 30, 2010 at 9:17 amHahah Oh my – a bear restraint door?? I’m a camper and even that does not exactly sound like a party to me. haha So sweet of him to get the cabin though!!
Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit!
June 30, 2010 at 9:18 amI look forward to seeing the photos from your camping adventure! I think that “bear resistant doors” should really be a prerequisite for, well, everything!
Marina
June 30, 2010 at 9:19 amSounds like you’re gonna have an amazing time! I would love to go somewhere like that, but of course, not without the cabin 😀
Good luck with the dentist!
MLT
June 30, 2010 at 9:20 amI went for the first time last summer and stayed in one of the tent-cabins.- they have a door and a bed, but no other amenities. Some of the other cabins were nicer and had bathrooms and such. Anyways- it was AMAZING. Hands down the most beautiful park I’ve ever been too. We went on several hikes (early, it gets HOT there!) and also rented rafts and floated down the river (super fun) . It’s incredible. If you get a chance, you should think about splurging on the all-you-can-eat buffet on Sunday morning at the big lodge (forget the name). Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s amazing. Think all-you-can-eat smoked salmon, oysters, mac and cheese, sushi, eggs/bacon/etc., pastries, salads…oh my.
Becky
June 30, 2010 at 10:25 amIt’s called the Ahwahnee Hotel. Home of the greatest cup of hot chocolate. I’m sure he’ll take you there. 🙂 It’s super romantic.
Kelly
June 30, 2010 at 9:21 amSounds like fun! I have never been but can’t wait to see your photos? Is the boyfriend ever going to let us seek a photo of him? 🙂
MLT
June 30, 2010 at 9:23 amOh the name of the lodge is the Ahwannee- I guess it’s the Ahwannee brunch. It’s a great way to wrap up a “roughin it” weekend with luxury–especially if you’re tired and sore from the hikes!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
June 30, 2010 at 9:23 amAlright, well I don’t think you can technically call that camping now… but I hope you have a blast!! I haven’t been to Yosemite, but I have been to a handful of other spectacular Nat’l Parks. Your BF is a sweetie.
Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary
June 30, 2010 at 9:25 am*raises hand* I felt like I just couldn’t get comfortable !! Maybe it was the 45632874028 lbs of raw veggies I ate giving me the most redic tummy ache!? UGH too much fiber!!
I went to Yosmite for the first time on my honeymoon. My husband grew up in Fresno, about 2 hours from there and had been many times… has hiked to half dome 4 times… etc etc. I have to admit, when I got to the top of Vernal Falls, I got a bit teary eyed. It was so beautiful!!! I can’t wait to see your pictures. All we had was a point and shoot at the time. You’re gonna have a blast. The only draw back is ALL THE FREAKIN PEOPLE. I hated that. But… I hate crowds. If you like Yosemite, you’ll also like King’s Canyon Nat’l Forest. It’s like a baby Yosemite with NO PEOPLE! It’s wonderful. But there are BEARS. One took my hot chocolate when we were there last month… She was 4 feet away from me and I was TERRIFIED. All was well though, she was just hungry 😉
Danielle
June 30, 2010 at 9:32 amOoh, cabins are nicer :). I went to Yosemite about ten years ago, and despite a slightly tainted memory due to a filthy motel and charcoal-burnt eats, I had a spectacular time. It is so so beautiful and the redwood trees are amazing. One of my favorite national parks by far. Enjoy!
Alison
June 30, 2010 at 9:35 amThe BF is awesome! Take pictures..lots and lots of ’em! 🙂
Katherine
June 30, 2010 at 9:41 amI used to go to Yosemite all the time, it is amazing!! I’m sure other people have already said this, but you HAVE to go to Yosemite Falls!
Lauren @ Running Examiner
June 30, 2010 at 9:46 amYosemite is one of my most favorite excursions ever! So incredibly beautiful. You’ll love it. Hope you have a fantastic time!
Suzanne de Cornelia
June 30, 2010 at 9:48 amIt’s beautiful, as are all the national parks. Love the Ahwahnee. Don’t think can officially visit Yosemite without popping in there for a visit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahwahnee_Hotel
How fun!!
Rebecca
June 30, 2010 at 9:52 amI would def. prefer a cabin to a tent. Your boyfriend is so sweet! Love the bear-resistant door. You’re going to have an awesome time! Can’t wait to read all about it!
CW
June 30, 2010 at 9:52 amNational Parks are probably my favorite places in the country. Yosemite changed my life for sure, and it is my favorite place on earth (and I’m fairly well traveled). There just aren’t words for its beauty. A REALLY amazing day hike is to take the Mist Trail up to Vernon Falls and continue on to go up to Nevada Falls. Then come down via the John Muir Trail. It’s about a 5-7 hour hike, depending on how fast you are and how long you spend relaxing at the falls at the top (you could easily lay out all day up there, with your toes in the water). If you’re really brave try Half Dome!! I would NOT recommend doing the Upper Yosemite Falls hike. And if you get a chance, take a bus up to Tuolumne Meadows. There are fewer tourists up there so it’s very peaceful and serene.
Sharon
June 30, 2010 at 10:34 amlol…yeah that’s basically my exact day hike rec! pack a lunch for the top of Vernal falls-but beware the rascally and brazen chipmunks and Stellar’s jays! I’ve not done the upper Yosemite falls hike….i hear it’s extremely challenging, and very HOT! the Muir trail can be hot too…gotta be sure to have a full camelbak and extra water too!
Evelyn @ cheers2healthy
June 30, 2010 at 9:54 amUgh. I had the worst time falling asleep last night too! I was up from 11pm-4am for some strange reason (I went to bed at 9). Anyway – Yosemite is great!! It’s my favorite national park among the ones that I’ve been to. It’s gorgeous!
claire!!
June 30, 2010 at 10:12 amumm Yosemite is AMAZING!!! Absolutely gorgeous – take lots of pictures!!!
Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
June 30, 2010 at 10:33 amso weird that you posted this!! I was up all night too for no reason at all…spookyyyyyy! I literally woke up every few hours and just prayed the next time I woke up it would be morning. I blame the moon.
Katherine
June 30, 2010 at 10:36 amthe pictures look like changing! I’ve never been
Lizzie
June 30, 2010 at 10:38 amOK – to clarify, this is in Australia, so pretty sure Yosemite will be a picnic for you, but the last time I went “camping” camping:
A green tree snake fell out of a tree and landed on a friend sleeping in a hammock below.
There was only one toilet – a pit toilet far away from any of the places people were camping and a haven for spiders (not to mention fear-filled walks after dark if you needed to go).
Goannas (smaller versions of Komodo dragons, but just as long claws and could easily kick my butt in a 5K!) ruled the camp-site, so they kept going into people’s tents looking for food. You’d be walking to the beach and hear a noise, look up and there would be 5 of them just staring at you.
The shower was a box hanging from a tree, leaving you a very define length of time to get everything done!
You’ll be a superstar! On an unrelated note, this fell into my inbox today and thought you might be interested:
http://www.tastingplaces.com/
TraciJ
June 30, 2010 at 10:42 amYou will absolutely LOVE Yosemite! We took an annual trip for most of the years we lived in the Bay Area (13 years – Just moved to TN last year!) We always stayed at Housekeeping Camp or Curry Village, where it sounds like you may be headed! We always arrived at night and when you wake up and look up there is nothing like it………….ENJOY!
PS: Be ready for CROWDS , since it is the holiday weekend!! I was always amazed how many people travel to Yosemite from all over the world! I had a couple of friends that actually grew up in CA and had never been to Yosemite – REALLY?!?!?! I was such the tourist the entire time we lived in CA…..
kelly
June 30, 2010 at 10:52 amyup, I too slept like crap last night, but maybe because I am leaving tomorrow for VEGAS!!! Whoo-hoo!
Lisa P.
June 30, 2010 at 10:54 amI love Yosemite. I think I have been there 6 or 7 times with all sorts of different people and never get sick of it. Do the Vernal Falls hike if you can. Just get to the top of the waterfall-it is worth it. Bring a rain jacket, good sturdy shoes and lots of water and snacks and you’ll be fine. Enjoy the trip!
sassy molassy
June 30, 2010 at 10:55 amOh I want to go to Yellowstone someday!!! Have fun.
Irina
June 30, 2010 at 10:56 amOh, you will love it. Be prepared, it is still “roughing it”, even in a cabin, but the ability to shower will make it much better. I love camping, and, although I do not find it the most romantic experience on earth, it is a wonderful bonding expereince for a couple 🙂 Have fun. Lots of bears, more than I have seen camping anywhere else in CA. We did the Half Dome hike/summit last September and it was amazing (not in a romantic way, more like marathon amazing) and I would do it again in a minute. Hike, walk around or just relax. It will be mobbed more than usual this weekend, though, so there may be some noisy neighbors… it should not spoil the fun!
Kristina
June 30, 2010 at 10:56 amYosemite is awesome – I would just caution you because it’s going to be super crowded on a holiday weekend. I hate crowds, personally, so that for me would be a less-than-stellar experience, but if you love the camping with tons of people, then embrace it! Just don’t expect the trip up to Half Dome to be a blissfully calm and ‘individual’ experience.
Brynne
June 30, 2010 at 11:01 amYosemite is gorgeous! You’re going to absolutely love it – can’t wait to see your pictures!
Kim
June 30, 2010 at 11:06 amI just left Yosemite this morning. It’s beautiful. We hiked the Mist trail to Nevada Falls. The Mist trail is fun but you get very, very wet!! Rent bikes-it’s a great way to see The Valley. Rafting down the river looked like fun! I do have to say that it was very hot in The Valley and tons of tourist. We did see a mama bear and her cub near Nevada Falls. Very cool and cute. Have a great trip. Also, enjoy some ice cream at Curry village. So yummy after a long hike and the squirrels in that area are entertaining!
Greer
June 30, 2010 at 11:25 amIt’s amazing! I’ve been in the cabins before – a word to the wise… bring extra layers because it can get pretty cold at night! Also, flashlights for getting to and from the restroom at night 🙂
Enjoy – it is really an awe inspiring place to visit!
Robyn
June 30, 2010 at 11:36 amYosemite is spectacular! It’s one of my favorite places on earth. Bring your camera – you’ll want MANY photos. 🙂
M.
June 30, 2010 at 11:39 amAnyone else agree with with me that Jenna’s “man” (can’t say boy,sorry! 🙂 sounds like the most wonderful guy? He sounds outdoorsy,thoughtful,foodie,and romantic!! Sigh & Swoon…..
I am so happy you are dating what sounds like an incredible man (considering you are an incredible woman )!
Happy Canada Day (July 1st!) and Happy July 4th to America!
jenna
June 30, 2010 at 11:59 amhahaha he is!! I’m a very lucky girl, indeed. It’s all about the laughter…
Kathleen
June 30, 2010 at 11:42 amYosemite is beautiful. My first time there was with my husband on the back of his motorcycle with a group of friends. The waterfalls will be AMAZING right now – gorgeous photos were taken, lots of laughs were had and screams too – driving those twists and turns on a motorcycle was crazy adrenaline rush fun. A Cabin is the way to go for your first time in the park – Have fun!
Melissa@Vegan CacaoBee
June 30, 2010 at 11:59 amJenna,
First of all, I love your blog! Your trip sounds like it will be super fun! Yosemite is absolutely beautiful, and it was one of my first camping experiences too. How I wish I could have stayed in one of those cabins! Lucky girl. I would definitely recommend taking shower shoes (but you probably knew that already). My favorite hikes were Upper Yosemite Falls and Half Dome-the Mist Trail variation (although I didn’t go to the very, very top…I just couldn’t stomach hiking/climbing up the steel cables for the last 1/4 mile, but I am sure it is absolutely breath-taking at the top. Good thing I stopped where I did, too, since that is where my now-husband proposed and my legs were shaking the entire way down anyway). Curry Village is fun too! Anyway, I hope you have a great time! Can’t wait to see pictures.
-Melissa
Marcia
June 30, 2010 at 12:02 pmAh, Yosemite is gorgeous. Been at least twice. If you can hike up to the top of Nevada falls, do it (you get two waterfalls for the price of one). I recommend going up the Mist Trail and down the John Muir trail.
Last time I went was May, and it snowed on me. It tends to be cooler in the Valley than outside, so check the weather before you go.
Alyssa
June 30, 2010 at 12:09 pmyosemite is definitely life-changing. I haven’t been in years, but I think I’ll have to take a trip next time I go home to California. Another SUPER FUN place that’s kind of near Yosemite is Dinky Creek. Rock Sliding and beautiful clear little pools to swim in, rock hopping, hiking, great for a day trip and picnicking.
Jackie (Peaces of Earth)
June 30, 2010 at 1:23 pmOhhh, you are going to LOVE IT!!!! I’ve been to Yellowstone and it was a life changing experience. I pretty much want to visit every national park…so beautiful!
Kristina
June 30, 2010 at 1:57 pmYosemite is beautiful!! I actually hiked Half Dome a few years back with friends. Boy do I wish we would have taken in the whole experience and camped there but didn’t. Instead we left home at 4 in the morning, hiked Half Dome (all the way to the top!), and then got home at midnight. Ummm…yeah, not smart. Just means I got to do it again to take it all in. Do you have plans to hike Half Dome? I’d recommend it. It was a great experience! Plus it’s one of those Bucket List kinda things you can check off when you’re done. =)
Amanda
June 30, 2010 at 2:08 pmGood luck Jenna, you’ll have fun I’m sure! I was thisclose to going to yosemite before I moved back from Cali, but backed out for a different trip. So the big question is – are you two tackling half dome?!?!
caitlinrose
June 30, 2010 at 3:10 pmmy older sister just got married there earlier this year at the Awahnee. . . once you see the Awhanee lodge, I dare you not to start dreaming of having a wedding there!
Lisa
June 30, 2010 at 3:19 pmIf you’re not an experienced camper, I highly recommend renting a Yurt. They are super fun and some have electricity. it’s a good middle ground.
Mason
June 30, 2010 at 3:36 pmI’ll be in Yosemite this weekend! I leave tomorrow 😀
Jess @ NZ Girl Runs
June 30, 2010 at 6:47 pmYosemite is on my Top Ten places I want to go. I will hopefully get there is a few years! Have fun!
valen
June 30, 2010 at 7:26 pmI tossed and turned all night as well. I’m so jealous of your trip to Yosemite! I’ve had my fair share of national and state parks though. I have been on 3 long RV trips with my parents, it is the best. Everyday you wake up to different sites, smells, sounds, trails, tastes, and towns.
Megan
June 30, 2010 at 9:09 pmBy far, Yosemite has been the most amazing place I have ever been. I hiked Half Dome a few years ago and I still talk about it like it was yesterday. It was awe-inspiring. Enjoy your trip!
Lisa O
June 30, 2010 at 10:37 pmWow, lucky girl! We did Yosemite on our Tour of the USA a few weeks ago and totally fell in love. We did the Half Dome hike which was about 18-miles (take plenty of food and water) and the Yosemite Falls hike which was a few miles less. Both were amazing but Half Dome topped our experience. We stayed at Housekeeping Camp which is half cabin half tent. I’m a totally camping newbie too although my husband camped his whole life so we compromised. i still stayed up nearly the whole first night expecting a bear to rip open the tent door demanding food or our lives. But don’t be scared of the bears, it’s lucky to see one, they are scaredy-cats and hardly ever come out to meet you! You’ll have plenty of warnings of what to do, so i won’t give any advice. Just have a wonderful time, oh and ps they have kombucha at the main supermarket, i love that stuff too and thought you might like to know! They’re my kind of cocktail!
Lorin
June 30, 2010 at 10:58 pmOh that sounds fun! I’m going camping this next monday and then going backpacking with my dad and another family. I’ve been camping (peeing in dirt camping) but not backpacking, I’m a little nervous but all the tasty energy bars will support me through it and the freeze-dried food for dinner :). yum! Have fun in Yosemite!
Courtney Craig
August 2, 2010 at 4:34 pmWhich cabin site did you end up staying in, Jenna? I’m curious because my hubby & I just decided we may want to visit Yosemite (from where we live in San Diego) for Labor Day weekend, and I’m not seeing much available for cabins, or even doing tent camping. It sounds like you two might have booked your cabin for a holiday weekend a bit close to the date as well. Where did you have luck?
Thanks!