You guys. YOU GUYS. Why didn’t you tell me? I feel like you’ve been keeping this symphony of natural beauty a secret.

Yosemite. Is. Amaze balls. Clearly my first time (and the kids, not so for Ben).

Logistically–we stayed in an RV park outside the actual National Park (those spots are gone months ahead of time and we were, well, busy with other things at that time). But the RV park was lovely and a perfect place to cut our vanlife teeth. It also conveniently had a shuttle into the park which relieved us from having to drive our house into the park on the second day.

On our first day we took the kids hiking among the Giant Sequoia–awe-inspiring for most of us (some of these big guys are thousands of years old) but Noah informed us early on that while his legs were clearly made for running or playing or riding bikes they were NOT made for walking. Or hiking. A refrain which was repeated for us many times. Still, we all survived. It goes without saying that the redwoods are freaking awesome.

On our second day we shuttle-bussed it into the park and rented bikes for the day. The scenery was INSANE. Waterfalls, meadows, wildlife, mountains–literally not a bad view to be had. The pictures clearly do not do it justice.

My little island family may be out of Hawaii but could not be kept dry, even in the 50 degree water of mirror lake. Except for me. Because I’m not a crazy person.

Luckily “legs for walking” did not seem to be a requirement for Junior Ranger status:

Bottom line: If you haven’t, go to Yosemite. Like, right now. You are seriously missing out.