The Carlsbad Dandies, Pt. 1

I don't know what it is with me, but lately I have been craving being in the mountains! I think Enoch must have worn off on me during his stay at our house or something. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the perks of living in a large city, particularly the excellent libraries and museums, but I miss the serenity of having mountains nearby, with ample opportunity to escape the hub bub of everyday life. (Does this mean I am getting old?!) I guess what I seek could be summed up in the phrase "simple abundance."

We returned Monday last week from a most amazing and rejuvenating vacation to the Sequoia National Forest. It was the epitomy of simple abundance--the meals were simple (I didn't have to cook them or clean up!) and the food was abundant! (I gained 5 lbs. in a week!) Also in great abundance were hiking trails through breathtaking scenery, large, VERY large trees, and lovely memories that were created with my sweet family. We were fortunate to have my parents-in-law join us, which made it that much more wonderful.

Following are some of the photos from our trip. I will apologize right now for the sheer amount--I know no one but our family cares that much about them, but, as I believe I have mentioned previously, this is eventually going to be printed for our family scrapbook, so without further ado, Enjoy!


Bob was kind enough to take some family photos for us.

 

This is the lodge we stayed at.

 

We were pretty secluded off on the far side of the lake in Dandy's Cabin. (Did they put us there for a reason?!) All the other lodgings were across the lake from where we were.

 

Here is a photo of the cabin we stayed in. It was very picturesque, and had a wonderful view.

 

Here are our wonderful grandparents.

 

We were so excited to see several bears throughout our stay!

 

The lodge had lots of fun things to do, including a rifle range (which I loved!), archery, horseshoes, canoeing, a pool and hot tub, a trampoline and playground area for kids, and horses. Because we went in the off season, we pretty much had the run of the place. All the staff were really chill and pretty much let us do what we wanted. In the evenings they would have a big fire and roast marshmallows for s'mores.

 

The following are two of my favorite landscape photos. The first is of the lake in the morning, with the mist rising off of it, and the second is a view from atop Moro Rock, which we hiked our last day there. Talk about a spectacular vista!

 

 

 

Here is a photo of Bob and Arden, walking through one of the sequoia trees which had fallen across the path.

 

Me and Maile by some gnarly tree roots...

 

Me clearing boulders out of the way so people could pass by to see Tokopah Falls.