Spring Break SoCal Adventure

DAY 1: Torrey Pines Natural Preserve in sunny San Diego, CA

The beautiful coast via Yucca Point Trail.

We checked out the sea anemones in the tide pools on Flat Rock. Then walked further down the beach.

Unique coastline with caves in the sandstone cliffs.

Beach access was closed and the stairs were removed but we managed just fine.

Yucca Point with views and a Yucca plant!

After lunch at The Taco Stand, we headed to the Children's Pool in La Jolla.

We stayed awhile to watch the nursing baby seals and others playing on rocks.

Then we walked down to La Jolla Cove where the sea lions gathered. They were louder and smellier.

Flowers were in bloom everywhere. And there weren't crowds since it was a Thursday.

Quick stop at Annie's Canyon for a hike through a small slot.

A unique flower. Addy collected flowers to press and make cards.

In the evening we headed to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

To eat snacks and watch the glorious sunset.

It didn't disappoint. We enjoyed our time in San Diego.

The artist in me but only Aaron would be my model.

DAY 2: Hike to Eagle Rock on the way to Palm Springs

This hike was one of our favorites. There were gorgeous wildflowers and prairies everywhere.

At the beginning of the trail we had to pass through several gates to keep the cows in the pasture. Unfortanately we only saw one off in the distance.

The amazing Eagle Rock!!

Epic Benny pose.

We made one more stop on the way to Palm Springs at the slot in Anza Borrego State Park.

The tightest squeeze.

Several rocks looked like they might fall if there was an earthquake.

The slot from above. Next stop, our condo rental, then Costco.

DAY 3: Palm Springs Indian Canyon

Wow!! A palm oasis.

This was the start of the Victor Loop, a 3m hike.

The palms followed a creek in the bottom of the canyon.

Oh the colors. And I got my girl to smile!

Family pic on our way out of the oasis. You can see it behind us.

Studly twins.

A similar hike in the area called Andreas Canyon, only 1m.

Back at the condo, our balcony is on the 2nd floor straight ahead.

Pool time.

And lunch on the patio.

I'm trying to be better about taking pictures of the places we stay. Here's the master bedroom.

Living room aka Addy's bedroom.

Kitchen...

And boys room. Nice setup with 2 full baths and only $150 per night! But the place smelled weird.

Later in the day we had timed tickets to the art museum.

They look so real!! We had to rush to see everything before closing. Worth it!

Exhibit outside the museum. Creepy babies. The kids were amused.

DAY 4: Joshua Tree National Park - sunrise in the cholla cactus garden

Arch Rock, a short 1m hike.

Exploring the area around Arch Rock.

Spilt Rock Loop Trail 2m.

There were only a few Joshua trees in this rocky area.

The famous skull rock, just a quick stop by the road.

The perfect picnic area by Cap Rock Nature Trail.

Another epic Benny pose at Keys View, the highest point in the park.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail, only 1m but my very favorite in the park.

There were so many Joshua Trees and more blooming yuccas!

Our rental van near a tree for scale.

And finally, Joshua by a Joshua Tree!

DAY 5: Whitewater Canyon View Loop Trail 3.7m

Our original plan was to ride the Aerial Tram to the top of the mountain but due to strong winds our trip was cancelled.

This hike was such a pleasant surprise. The cool breeze, views, and wildflowers.

Wow!! What a hidden gem.

This hike was one of my very favorites!

DAY 6: San Jacinto National Forest - Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail 6-7m

Instead of the tram, we drove a very scenic 1h up to the cute mountain town of Idyllwild. The trail we chose was so beautiful.

At a certain altitude, we ran into snow!!

Oh my word! Benny was joyfully running, leaping, and rolling. He thought he had arrived in snow heaven.

Look guys! "My legs are completely buried in snow." - Aaron

Snow baseball.

Such a handsome picture of Aaron...

Addy's loot from the day. Josh saw it on the side of the road on our drive up. She even made it through airport security with it!

DAY 6: Death Valley National Park. That's Josh and Jackson!

After driving 4.5h to the park, we hiked Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral 3m.

It was an easy hike but pretty hot!

See the kids at the top?

The views were spectacular!!

The way back down.

Epic Benny pose.

We hiked a small detour to Manly Beacon, more views, but turned around after reaching it.

Go Addy! The girl is a trooper.

Lunch at The Ranch at Death Valley. Very expensive!!

Next stop, Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.

We tasted the salt from the salt flats and Addy got a sample. Shhhh!

Another handsome Aaron selfie!

And then the low point of our trip. We got hit by a motorcycle turning into the Devil's Golfcourse. Everyone was fine. PTL!! But it took 2h to file a report and get the other driver a ride.

We missed a few sights but did catch the sunset at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Again, more grand views. The kids had fun jumping and rolling down the dunes.

The Stovepipe Wells Motel was close by where we had dinner, showers and a good night sleep.

DAY 8: Sunrise in Death Valley National Park

We left early for the 7h drive to YOSEMITE National Park!! The drive was so pretty as we got close.

Benny proudly got us in for FREE with his 4th grader national park pass.

We checked into the Yosemite Valley Lodge, ordered dinner for later, and walked around the area. The famous Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Family pic at Lower Yosemite Falls.

Walking around this area was gorgeous. There were lots of trees down from a recent storm but still so pretty.

Everyone loves Benny!! Check out those background sunset views.

Upper Yosemite Falls! We could see it from the front door of our lodge room. Looks dark but the weather was perfect. So blessed.

We loved our room. Two kids slept on camping air mattresses. Shh! We're always breaking rules. We had a delicious pizza with salad and fruit dinner before bedtime.

This is how they relax. The kids got travel pillows that converted to blankets for Easter. Best thing ever!

DAY 9: Sunrise in Yosemite out the window while driving

Breakfast at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel because we wanted to see it and our food place wasn't open yet.

Trying to take a selfie with Addy at the trailhead. She wouldn't smile so I imitated her. HA!!

Near the beginning of the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Falls 6m hard.

Made it easily to the infamous Vernal Falls!

Not without getting a little wet though.

There was even a rainbow!!!

At the top of the falls Addy made a friend. More rule breaking. But WOW!

The views just got better and better as we made our way upward.

The bottom of Nevada Falls.

The view from the top of the falls. Epic!!

We took another way down. Here is a view of the 1st falls with tiny people near the top for scale. These falls were massive!

My favorite view of the day!

We ran into a little snow on the way down.

Everyone loves Benny!! Great job people.

After dinner, Josh and I went for a walk and I'm SO glad we did. BEAR!!

I also got a pic of Upper Yosemite Falls reflected in the Merced River.

The kids were bummed they missed the bear so we took them back out to see it.

DAY 10: Sequoia National Park

We didn't think Yosemite could be matched but WOW!

We debated if we should add 2h to our drive back to the airport but I'm so glad we did.

We started at Grant Grove. Then drove to the General Sherman Tree. Our favorite part was the Congress Trail hike. It was 2m and we had the place to ourselves!

Even Josh wanted his picture taken! Ha. This was the highlight of the trip for him.

Climbing on the trunk of a fallen giant.

Can you see me!?

I loved that we could just go right up and touch them. The famous General Grant and Sherman trees were crowded and protected by fencing.

Prespective is so much better with people in the picture.

The named trees were the most impressive. Back to the airport and home the next day. What a trip!! My favorite yet.

We celebrated Easter early on Palm Sunday with Joyce but I didn't take any pictures.