Last week we took a spontaneous four day camping trip to Yosemite. Things were just getting busy but we still got camping spots, day of, in the valley the first two nights. The third night we were getting sick of the crowds and drove right outside the park where we found dispersed camping next to a gorgeous stream (image above). It was hot too! A welcome change from the consistently cool coastal weather here in San Francisco.

Keep reading to see some more instagram photos (@liz_stan) and snippets from our trip…

Hetch Hetchy was beautiful (this is where all the drinking water in San Francisco comes from)

Yosemite falls was roaring this time of year! It was incredible. We walked to the viewpoint and then hiked up along the rocks until we were getting so soaked if felt like a shower.

Henry was a great hiker- as long as there were rocks to throw, sticks to wave around, and fruit snacks to eat.

I love camping food! The first night we had chili dogs, second night we ate at a pizza place in the valley, third night we had burgers on the grill. Breakfasts were combinations of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. Oh and s’mores every night. Of course!

The light was so beautiful in the valley! Oh, and no bears this time (although last year we spotted two right in the campground).

Henry’s favorite thing about camping is building a fire and helping to collect sticks. Snuggling by the fire and telling stories might be my favorite.