Okay, so I know California is a big state. I’ve seen a map before. But y’all, it is HUGE. In-between the coast and Yosemite, there is nothing. NOTHING. I didn’t really expect that. But it’s okay, because the coast and Yosemite are just so much somethings. I almost have no words for Yosemite but I’m gonna try: there’s a reason this is such a spiritual experience for people. Standing in Yosemite Valley, looking up at these truly massive rock formations, your problems and role in the world really get put into perspective. We were lucky enough to snag a tent-cabin in the valley for two nights. It was an unreal experience to step out of bed and look up at all of that magnificence. We only had enough time for one hike (since the 3.9 miles listed was apparently point A to point B, minus the switchbacks) but it was so beautiful. Also exhausting. My 51 year old dad completely dusted me and made it to the top 30 minutes faster (no shame y’all I really like cheeseburgers). Most of the people hiking looked extra serious, which made me a little nervous in my 5-year-old nikes, but I made it. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to go to Yosemite, take it. Even just driving around. There’s so much to see and explore in there. Next time I go in I’m not coming out.

Ah, the coast. What a totally different experience than the East Coast. Such interesting water: completely crystal clear and bright blue at the same time. And cold, y’all. COLD. 50 degrees and knock-you-over-windy-cold. (And people were tanning, but that’s a different story). There was a fire in part of the Big Sur State Park, but it didn’t matter much because the drive in was the main point anyway. 

Driving over mountains and bridges with no phone service so you have no option but to take it all in was such a cleansing experience.  Absolutely incredible.  Lake Tahoe didn’t disappoint  either. With countless trails leading to such different views, there was always something new to see. Also, we ate barbecue for dinner one night and ordered sweet tea like a bunch of country bumpkins. That was my first time eating barbecue without sweet tea and I didn’t like it one bit. Western states should really consider adopting sweet tea into their culture. It’s cheap and easy to make and so many of us southerners would move there. Win-win.

Overall: large, pretty water, pretty mountains, needs sweet tea.