Mammoth & Yosmite

Last Thursday we left for Mammoth to meet my parents up there. Troy and his fiance, Alyssa, met us all up there too. Sara was the only one missing. She couldn't get anyone to take over her flights. Too bad! It was a nice trip, but not as relaxing as I'd hoped for. See, my parents idea of a vacation in Mammoth is hiking, hiking, and more hiking. I like hiking to an extent, but 3 different hikes each day... come on! And these aren't just little walks, they are full on hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail... seeing lakes, waterfalls, rivers, etc. It was all worth it though! Beautiful sights to see. Jason and I had never been to Mammoth so it was something different. My parents go a few times each year. It is definitely their favorite vacation spot. We had the cutest condo right in the village in Mammoth and had a great time! Derek loved it! Surprisingly he did excellent on the 5 hour drive (yes Genny, it only took 5 hours, not 7). He watched his movies and slept and never complained. I was totally surprised! The first day my dad and Derek were walking to the pool and they came across a baby black bear. Derek thought it was a dog and could care less. My dad was the one who was a little freaked out. We were all jealous that they got to see a bear and we didn't... not fair! I only wish he had his camera with him. Oh well.

On Friday we went to June Lake and rented a fishing boat. Derek loves to pretend he's fishing in my parents pool, so we thought he'd love the real thing. We were on that lake for hours and didn't catch a thing. Derek got bored anyway, so while Troy and Jason continued their quest to catch a fish, we all kayaked around the lake. Derek LOVES kayaking.

On Saturday we drove into Yosemite. It's only about a 45 minute drive from Mammoth. It was gorgeous! We couldn't have asked for better weather too... sunny and hot. Of course the lakes are freezing, but Derek didn't mind. We found a pretty lake and had lunch on the shore, kayaked some more and just relaxed. We finally left after waiting for my mom to get back from kayaking around the entire lake... of course. After Yosemite we went to some natural hot springs my parents go to every year. But this year they were closed to swimming. The sign said there have been major geological changes and the water is scolding hot in some places now. Hot enough to where people have died. So we missed out on that. But it was cool to see natural springs so hot that they are steaming. Derek was pretty upset since we had told him all day that we were going to swim in bath water outside. He got over real fast.

Later that evening we were getting ready to go to the spa. I thought Troy was with Derek, and Jason thought I was with Derek. Anyway, no one was with him. I realized Derek wasn't in the condo and started looking everywhere. After we realized he REALLY wasn't inside I freaked out! I ran around the streets like I've never run before. We looked and looked and he was no where. At this point I'm thinking someone kidnapped him and I just had chills. Finally I hear Jason and my mom saying they found him. I've never felt such relief in my life! I have honestly never been so scared, so worried and felt so helpless. I was almost ready to call 911. He had gone downstairs, opened the front door, CLOSED it behind him and walked down the street, down 2 flights of stairs, and was heading to the pool by himself. He had his water shoes and his towel and was ready to go swim. We tried to explain to him to never go anywhere without us. And when he hears us calling his name he needs to respond. Not sure if he understands that, but I'm just glad a car didn't hit him, glad that someone didn't snag him, glad that a hungry bear didn't come strolling by.

Anyway, it was a great trip, but I'm glad to be home. That high altitude really got to me. Not sure if it was because I had a cold or I'm pregnant, but I couldn't wait to be back at sea level. Thanks mom and dad for a great vacation!

Sorry everyone, but I posted a TON of pictures for the family.

Heading up to our first hike to Inyo Craters. This huge crater was formed 600 years ago from a volcanic eruption.



Derek resting on dad's shoulders after saying, "I tired".






Derek being a big helper


Alyssa, dad, Jason, Derek & mom


Pretty scenery in Yosemite


Can you tell we're amateur fishermen? ...trying to bait the hook.





Leaving Yosemite... Can you tell I'm freezing?





Starting the hike to Rainbow Falls



We made it! Now we just have to go down to the bottom of the falls.

Gorgeous!



The VERY steep stairs going up from Rainbow Falls. Derek climbed them all by himself.

Derek really was a trooper. And so was Jason for carrying him most of the way uphill. But he was so tired, so dirty and just hung in there!

My favorite background picture