June 17, 2024
The adventure continues! Once we said our goodbyes to the serene waters of Lake Tahoe, we said hello to the magnificent mountainsides and valleys of Yosemite on day four. Front row card games of “Go Fish” and Campbell’s rendition of “Ice, Ice, Baby” made the van journey memorable. Upon arrival, a family of deer and prairie dogs gave us a warm welcome, as did the rising temperatures, which prompted an afternoon full of swimming at June Lake. We laughed harder than ever thanks to Graydon’s British accent and a game of try-not-to-laugh, which quickly transcended into a ruthless water fight. The girls insisted on a shower and accepted our proposal, taking Dr. Bronner’s back to the lake. Rhett and Bowen successfully reenacted “Dirty Dancing” lift and spin there. After drying off, we ate make-your-own pizzas and drifted to bed.
New heights were reached on day five…literally! The crew started climbing and belaying after making it to Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. Thanks to encouraging comments from LODs Wells and Graydon, we braved the granite slabs in front and channeled our inner Spider-Man. Rhett, Graydon, and Vivienne couldn’t get enough and did every route. Although initially hesitant, Frances and George ended the day conquering the 60-foot climb and their fear of heights. It was awesome! To celebrate, we went to a nearby lake (we like swimming, can’t you tell?) where Mary Frances’ animal impressions made us laugh so hard we had to leave. Back at camp, we stuffed our faces with pitas to fuel for more climbing.
The following day, we continued to scale rock and make memories. William accomplished his goal of climbing halfway up while Jack mastered the art of belaying, and Liz overcame her fears and made it to the top. We did a short hike to move our muscles and spontaneously turned into the Mobil Restaurant- a Mobil gas station combined with a restaurant and general store-a mini Bucee’s, as Frances and Wells called it. We munched on chicken tenders and burgers before enjoying sweet treats and listening to live music. Afterward, we returned to camp, but not before buying some souvenirs, including Francie’s Mobil shirt, Graydon’s pit vipers, and Rhett’s bucket hat. Under the stars, we chuckled into the late hours, discussing boat names and the hilarious moments in Yosemite.
We started day seven bright and early, breaking camp and heading into Yosemite Valley. We were speechless as we drove below the magnificent El Cap, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome. Getting out for pictures made us truly appreciate the scales of the mountains around us. As soon as we parked the van, or “bus,” as the gang calls it, we started shedding our morning sweats to embrace the valley heat and embark on the Mist Trail. Some of us naively decided to ditch our rain jackets as the Mist Trail was more like the Pouring Rain Trail. At that moment, we were jealous of Jack’s clear Walgreens poncho purchase. With sopping wet hair and clothes, we ate lunch and sunbathed in rocks before the waterfall. Once dried, we chugged along to the American River, where we enjoyed quesadillas prepared by Frances and William and hit the hay.
Day eight was elite! After a pancake, bacon, and egg breakfast, we hit the river with paddles in hand. After conquering some class two rapids and enjoying lunch, we were ready to level up to a little more splash (or a lot.) Chilly water filled our boats while we excitedly squealed, chanting “1, 2!” to stay in sync. No one ended the day dry. Once back at camp, we surprised the kids with…a shower!!! The Frans (Francie, Frances, and Mary Frances) came back smelling each other’s hair and giggling over the amount of detox shampoo used while Jack finally unlocked a new pair of shorts. We enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner served by our raft guides that had everyone full and happy. They must have put laughing gas in the dinner because our MoonUp was the funniest yet! Every moment of silence became filled with Campbell’s laugh, Liz’s, and everyone’s. After concluding our debrief, a good night’s sleep was much needed. We went to bed dreaming of tomorrow’s class, three rapids.
Day nine’s rapids did not disappoint! We started right off the bat with huge splashes that somehow always found Frances more than anyone else. Girl power dominated the river today, with Francie, Liz, Frances, and Mary Frances leading the way. Graydon dominated the entertainment department afterward, performing skits for us before breaking into another water fight. We can’t seem to stay dry on this trip! After two long days of paddling, we decided we needed a treat, so back into the van we went! We checked off another bucket list item…In-N-Out! We made it to our campsite, still full from the burgers and shakes, but with no regrets! We ended the night excited to be back on the coast.
Thank you’s:
Hey y’all. I miss y’all and love y’all. I hope you guys are coping easily without me, your favorite child. Happy Father’s Day dad. I love y’all! – Vivienne
Hey mom and dad! Thank y’all so much for everything, and I love y’all so so much. A big happy Father’s Day to the best dad in the world. Love you! Heart, Campbell.
Heyy! What’s up? We went white water rafting and… We showered!!! I love y’all so so much and happy Father’s Day! – Mary Frances
Hey mom and dad! Thank you for everything, Moondance has been so fun and we Whitewater rafted today! Happy Father’s Day to the best dad! Heart, Elizabeth
Hi mom and dad. I miss you! Dad, have a good Father’s Day XOXO, William
Hey dad, I love you so much and have been thinking about you lots. I hope you love my card and my picture I drew. Happy Father’s Day and I love you so much. – Frances
Hey Dad! Happy Father’s Day! I love you so much! Thanks for always going out of your way to be the best father to me and Jack and the best person to everyone. I’ve been having such a great time! Love you, mom and Jack so much! ❤️, Francie
Hey mom and dad. I hope you have the best Father’s Day! Tell Charles hi and give Riggins a pet for me. Also, tell mom I miss and love her. I am having the best time. Moondance is the best! Love you tons – Graydon
Hey guys, I hope Panama is fun. I’m having a great time and we’ve been rock climbing and white water rafting. We showered for the first time in nine days- ha! Love y’all, Rhett
Hey fam!!! I’m having so much fun and I just showered for the first time in nine days!! Can’t wait to be in Michigan and see everyone! Love y’all! Also, happy Father’s Day daddy. I love you and miss you so much. You’re the best dad ever. Love, Wells
Happy Father’s Day! You are the best dad ever and I hope you have a great day. See you soon, love you bye! – Jack