Adventures
Are you looking for an adventure on one of the most dangerous hikes in the world?? (according to several outdoor publications)
So are we!
Today we are going to be in Zion National Park hiking Angels Landing, which stands 1,488 ft above its base, the Virgin River.
Continue reading “Zion: Part 1 – Enchanting Sandstone Cliffs (Angels Landing)”
We’re off to Zion!!
While it’s been nice living in luxury the past few days, it’s time to pack our stuff, leave Vegas, and hit the road toward Zion National Park.
It’s not the first time we’ve been to Las Vegas, and definitely not the last.
So with that, we’re not planning for the typical Vegas shenanigans.
We’re spending a couple nights in Vegas, so we’re taking one day to visit Hoover Dam.
There aren’t any records still held by this concrete giant.
Upon construction and for nearly two decades afterwards, it held firmly as the tallest dam in the world.
Today it ranks 2nd tallest in the United States and barely scrapes into the top 30 tallest in the world.
Actually… it’s not too bad.
Today’s high is 88°F… which is pretty dang warm for any early February we’ve experienced.
It’s early when we leave Potwisha Campground in Sequoia National Park.
Our destination this evening is Death Valley.
We leave the forest and head across seemingly barren terrain as the sun peaks from behind the desert horizon.
With our adventure in Yosemite behind us, it’s time to look forward!
Our plan is to pass through Sequoia National Park, spend the evening sightseeing, then camp in the park. We’re not spending much time here, so we have to prioritize what we want to see.
The top thing on our list? General Sherman!
No no, not the WW2 General; the tree!
and not just any tree…. The LARGEST TREE IN THE WORLD (by volume).
First! Check out Yosemite part 1!!
This morning we wake up early. Our plan? Half Dome!
We’ve been looking at this hike for a while… contemplating it, but still really unsure how we’ll manage to climb the side of the dome while the ropes are down. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Here you go…
So as we sit here in the van, at 5:00AM.
We talk about it…
We google it… yes there is 4G in the park. 📱
Our decision? ….not to do Half Dome.
Continue reading “Yosemite: Part 2 – El Capitan Is The Man!”
“The mountains are calling and I must go…”
Yosemite is gorgeous… it’s very hard to describe it apart from that.
From the moment we enter the park we are stunned…
Overwhelming vistas, crashing waterfalls, the awe inspiring El Capitan’s smooth cliff-face linking both ground and sky.
…in the distance, the iconic Half Dome. Continue reading “Yosemite: Part 1 – We’ve Arrived!”
Yosemite here we come!!
Our drive starts with an early departure from Tommy’s Aunt’s house.
An early drive means a beautiful early morning sunrise! ☀
Continue reading “On The Road: Day 3 – Drive to Yosemite, Big Trees, & Gold Nugget”
While visiting Tommy’s Aunt, we take a break to visit some local landmarks. California offers several tourist destinations, but no one can resist going to…
A few nights ago we said goodbye to Kali’s family before visiting Tommy’s Mom. This morning, we’re saying farewell to her as we head off on our journey. 🚐, ｡･ : *
Continue reading “On The Road: Day 1 – WA to CA and Crater Lake, OR”
With not much time before our trip, it’s time to start wrapping things up and call the van ready! 😎
We have just a few more things before we’re ready to hit the road…
Continue reading “Van Diaries 9 – Things Are Coming Together”
A while ago, we tested sleeping in our van during winter. Fortunately, we had a portable heater and easy access to a 120V power outlet!
Sweet!! With the accessible power, we wanted to run an extension cord into the van to power the heater. 🙂
Unfortunately… with no external power input to the van, the only option was to run the cord through an open window. 😬
And now it’s time to start frantically preparing our van before we leave.
We are very excited to say hello to our friend we haven’t seen for six months!