Summer Vacation Day 3

On our third day of camping, we decided to do some exploring and even took a short hike following a trail we found on the map we had to purchase (lame) from the park ranger.

Next time we'd like to get a campsite near the beautiful river.

It was strange because some areas had these huge redwoods and others had much smaller oak trees and chaparrel.

My husband had fun on a rope swing...

And I nervously crossed the plank bridges.

The hills above were green and reminded us of the opening scene in The Sound of Music!

Unfortunately, my husband was unable to get the same campsite for both nights when he reserved ours a few weeks prior. So, we were on day three and campsite number three. I really enjoyed this camping trip, but packing everything up every morning and setting it all back up again every afternoon really got on my nerves.

When we arrived at our second campsite in Pfeiffer park, we noticed that right across the tiny road was the most beautiful campsite we had seen since we'd been there.

Here is the one we were assigned:

See what I mean about the trees? Our site had these tiny trees and bushes (and LOTS of poison oak) and right next door were huge beautiful redwoods.

Here you can see how close we are. That's my car on the left.

My husband asked the rangers if the other site was taken (it was) or if we could switch since it was already late afternoon and the occupants hadn't checked in yet. He wouldn't allow it and we watched the site stay empty all day, night, and into the next morning. It was really frustrating, but now we know which site to reserve!

My husband being silly with his machete (he used it to move the wood in the fire) and his axe (of course for splitting wood).

Even though this dinner was the least fancy, it was somehow the most satisfying. Something about bbq chicken and camping that just... works.

By the way, my husband cooked every dinner over the fire. No camping stove for us. He's good, right?

After dinner, we pulled out this bad boy:

Every time we go camping, we search everywhere for Jiffy pop. We haven't been able to find it anywhere, but when my husband went to a teeny tiny market near Kirk Creek to get more ice, there is was!

Not only was it super fun, it was super delicious. Way better than microwave popcorn. I may need to order some online to keep in the house...

By now I'm sure you all know that my husband loves to take embarrassing pictures of me. I don't post all of them, but here's one to give you a chuckle.

Just call me popcorn butt!

While we were enjoying our jiffy pop, I heard something near the picnic table. I scrambled for a flashlight and saw a skunk (!!) walking off with a marshmallow in it's mouth! It took me a while to find the camera and this was the best picture I could get:

See the tail? Look closely. He was almost completely hidden behind the tree.

We left out some more marshmallows trying to lure him back (why we were trying to get closer to an animal that could spray us with stink is now beyond me, but it was a good idea at the time), but no luck.

This was our last night camping! We were sad that the first part of our vacation was over, but excited for a hot shower and the next part. Tomorrow, off to San Francisco!