The Thomas Family Travel Diaries: September 2015

Our last stop in California was Emigrant Gap. We stayed at the Sunflower RV Resort, which is part of the Thousand Trails system. We had the park to ourselves and the pick of the camp sites. We parked in a great spot overlooking the lake, nestled between the large, majestic trees. We had a fabulous rock formation right behind our spot where we sat and watched the world go by. It was peaceful and serene. It was a perfect way to end our California adventure! While here, we hiked, fished, learned about photography and took lots of pictures, went bike riding and explored the surrounding area. We loved our time in Emigrant Gap!

Our Emigrant Gap home in the woods

Our Backyard

Do you see that white spot in the trees? That's our place!

Braden's prized Rainbow Trout

Another awesome Rainbow Trout

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Fishing

We visited the Donner Memorial State Park

The monument that stands in memorial to the Donner Party

It was a very somber mood at the monument, thinking about what those poor souls went through.

There were great hiking trails through the park and we took advantage of the beautiful day and the perfect weather

A happy little flower

Wonder what lives in here?

We had a wonderful time...

Our next stop was Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains! There was no cell service or internet in the park AT ALL (GASP!) and we were all a little out of our comfort zone. That didn't last long because the sounds of nature replaced the sounds of people chatting on their phones; the kids couldn't play XBOX or text, so they were outside playing...it was a very peaceful environment! No internet or cell service meant that Bryan had to leave the campground every day to work, which was a bit of a bummer. He found a great coffee shop to work from during the day, so although he wasn't able to work from home, he was comfortable and full of caffeine! Every day after the work/School day ended, we headed out and explored Yosemite. What we saw and experienced in Yosemite was AMAZING, BREATHTAKING, and overall MAGNIFICENT...I'm so thankful that we were able to experience this together! The pictures will hopefully convey the wonder of this National Park. Here are a few of our favorite Yosemite memories! Enjoy!!!!

Here we are!!!! (Bryan is behind the lens!)

We had a campsite right on the river! Perfect for our teenage fishing fanatic!

Our first Yosemite adventure was hiking the Merced Grove Trail.

We hiked...and we goofed around!

Look how small Braden looks next to those Redwood Trees.

Happiness in Yosemite!

Check out those tree trunks!

An amazing campsite....Right on the river! We had great neighbors, too!

The boys had GOLD FEVER!!!!

Aaron was ready to get in the river to look for GOLD!

Mama was happy to sit back & watch her boys pan for gold in the river!

Braden taking a turn panning for gold.

Half Dome...This scenic view location also had cell service :-)

Half - Dome....W-0-W

There were so many opportunities to climb, crawl and hike...There's nothing like getting out and exploring with people you love!

Braden & Aaron

HELLOOOOO down there!!!!

Exploring off the beaten path...

The rocks were massive...and they were up for the challenge!

Those guys love to explore and rock climb!

You could see forever....

We stood and looked up at this beautiful waterfall....and felt the mist on our faces!

And then they climbed more rocks...

There's Bryan in Yosemite!

BearClaw was here!

Looking for fish...Always.....

Yosemite waterfalls are spectacular!

Back at the campground, we were lucky enough to meet the Wildlife Rangers that were stocking our river with fish!!!

They would drive a few feet in their special fish tank truck, dunk their large net, grab a ton of fish and then run like heck down to the river, where they let the fish swim free!

We were so excited to see this in action! Braden was even more excited to grab his fishing pole and take advantage of our great fortune!

The clubhouse had a piano and Aaron played a little tune each time we visited!

FYI- That is a singing deer watching over Aaron!

Enjoying a rare Thomas Family campfire

Braden & Bryan preparing for fishing...Those fish don't just catch themselves:-)

Bodie loves a warm, crackling fire!

Aaron, aka "The Bear", roasting a marshmallow on his Marshmallow Roasting Contraption.

We love to see him smile!

Getting a little help from his big brother!

It was soooooo peaceful in Yosemite...Except on the weekend. It was a holiday weekend. That WAS NOT peaceful. Definitely do not want to go here on a holiday weekend!!!!!

We LOVED Yosemite!

Aaron Christopher!

We took a day trip to Columbia State Historic Park to learn how to mine for gold! It was like going back in time to a 19th century mining town...

The boys taking a lesson from a professional!

This was a super fun state park that transported you back in time...There was a blacksmith shop, stagecoach rides, old time shops and cool educational exhibits! Best of all, it was free!