Yo-Yo-Yo It’s Yosemite in the house…

Actually, it was the Eastman’s in the house of Yosemite National Park.  Dave and the family report that Yosemite is as spectacular as billed.  Unfortunately, this was again one of those un-dog-friendly parks.  So, I spent most of the time back home.  Luckily, it was a nice campground and site.

I overheard a discussion in the car whereby Dave and Kirsten gave control of the itinerary to the kids for the three days they were in the vicinity of Yosemite.  I was a bit concerned at first but realized they did have the whole family’s interest in mind as they chose their activities.  The first day they decided to head to the very crowded but beautiful Yosemite Valley.  They visited the village and hiked out to the Lower Yosemite Falls.  

After that they enjoyed lunch during which they had another wildlife close encounter.  Kirsten wants to know what this critter thinks it's going to get from them. 

While Anika just has no clue as to which way is up (or down).

And then the family set off for Mirror Lake.  That first picture in this post was taken there for obvious reasons.  This lake is normally dried up this time of year.  At Mirror Lake Caleb found yet another inanimate object from which to again jump into the water.  

Anika found a nice beach to create castles, rivers and ponds. 

The following day the kids chose to spend more time in the water (big surprise).  So, the family went on a calm full-day rafting trip down the Merced River.  This is the same river, together with a few glaciers, that carved the Yosemite Valley.  It might not have been as cold as the river in Sequoia N.P. but it was reported to be awfully close.

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and this picture of Kirsten sure demonstrates exactly how cold this water was.

The family sure looks like they were paddling in a picturesque setting.

And here they are in action:

The last day of the visit to this region the children chose to stay at the campground and hit the pool for just about the entire day. 

Now we are off to see Kirsten’s Cousin Laura for now the third time on this trip.  And I couldn’t be happier, as I will get to see my good friends Autumn (canine) and Chandler (human/ dog lover).  Dave and the kids hope to show Tony and the boys a little about fly fishing and landing some trophy Provo River trout while at the Muscat’s house in Park City, Utah.

Big wet kisses, Mookie, “The Bloggin’ Dog”