Cookeats

I've been busy trotting around national parks across California this summer, although it all started with the ultimate backpacking trip to Yellow Stone.

We boarded a plane to Utah and drove 6 hours until we reached Yellow Stone. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our plan was derailed as we arrived too late to secure campsites. I believe I will always remember the harrowing experience of spending the night curled up in the rented minivan, all the while striving to fight off the chilly temperature.

The next day after a 4-mile hike, we started our journey of hiking another 4 miles into the wilderness, where we were to call home for the next 3 days. All of us were teetering at the precipice of surrendering under the weight of our heavy backpack.Although the journey was challenging both physcially and mentally, we appreciated our ability to finish the trip in one piece.


A month later, we found ourselves up in Mammoth mountains. I have only been here once for skiing over the Christmas holidays. Thus I was pretty excited to explore into the plethora of flora and fauna that Mammoth has to offer. Not to my disappointment, there were many breathtaking views all over mountains. We hiked and hiked for 2 days until my legs felt detached from my body.


This past weekend, we visited Channel Island. It is an unspoiled nature island where even one who is petrified of the ocean would jump straight into the water without uttering a word of protest.

The most exciting activity that we enjoyed was probably kayaking in the ocean. It was definitely another one of those lifetime experiences where you crash against the waves trying to hit land. Of course, the aftermath of kayaking was suffer from very sore shoulder muscles.

Camping in Yosemite during Labor Day weekend will mark the final camping excursion this summer. I must say I have almost forgotten the feeling of staying in a hotel and traveling in style!