The day found us floating aimlessly down the heart of the Yosemite Valley.  What a day.  Since Kegan left us, after Santa Monica, his inflatable bed was now available for a day of rafting.  It was a hit.  We had numerous envious rafters who proclaimed, "Wish we would have thought of that!"

Rafting on the Wild and Scenic Merced River can be one of the most refreshing ways to see Yosemite Valley's spectacular scenery. It's an easy half-day adventure for young and old alike.

We are spending the rest of the day in pinochle and horseshoe tournaments while thoroughly enjoying being at camp!

Yesterday we meandered, lost, within Carlon Meadow (just inside the western boundary of the Park).  It was once part of an extensive lodging complex including the Carlon Inn. All that is left today are bits of foundation, eroding asphalt and extensive earthworks slowly being enveloped in a beautiful meadow. 

We were headed to waterfalls and once we found the right path, we were not disappointed.  For over an hour, Steve, Mark, Carol and I enjoyed the cool waters and spectacular scenery with not another person in sight.

The evening ended with Steve kicking butt in a horseshoe tournament.  What a diverse and entertaining week in Yosemite!

Steve and I went into the Park and had a great day being tourists.  The lawn of the Wawona Hotel (1879) called to us and we had a picnic there.. totally reminds us of the movie "Dirty Dancing". 

We hiked to Bridal Veil Falls and enjoyed the refreshing spray and incredible views.  We meandered from valley floor to mountain overlook.  It was a wonderful day in Yosemite.  Tonight, we meet all 80+ Boudreau family members.  It should be crazy fun!

Yesterday was a delightful day just hanging out:  pinochle, river fun and an evening of meeting new friends. 

We are happily parked, for a week, for the Boudreau Family 2010 Reunion in Yosemite.  Last night is was just three couples but by Monday, there will be 80 family members camping alongside us.  Can't wait.

It is gorgeous here.  The bluest sky framed by the greenest pines.  Last night, the stars were magnificent.  The week is going to be full of adventures.  I can't wait to share them with you!

While we were in L.A. yesterday, Kegan decided he wanted to spend time with his friends in Temecula. So today, his friend came and took him home.  I spent the day playing with my friend, Leslie, while Steve sorted through paperwork.  We strolled the Farmers' Market, had a delicious lunch and meandered through the unique shops in town.

Dinner was at our campsite with Leslie and her mom, Barbara.  It was a gorgeous, wonderful day here.  On to Yosemite!

We are camped in Tehachapi for the next three nights, along the shore of Brite Lake.  A gentle breeze is blowing and cows are grazing in the distance.  This will be a peaceful place to call home.

This town is known for its four season climate, ingenious train Loop, the author Larry McMurtry, actor Jack Palance, its wind farm, and the womens prison that has been referenced in several movies, including The Maltese Falcon in which Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) tells his criminal love interest, "Well, if you get a good break, you'll be out of Tehachapi in twenty years and you can come back to me then."

We're here because we have our Italian visa application appointment tomorrow, in Los Angeles, and we want to visit with my dear friend, Leslie who lives here.  It will be a very delightful three days.

We celebrated July 1st by spending the night in Jackson, WY.  A gateway to Yellowstone.  A cowboy town rich in legend and lore.  A town that seems to derive great pleasure from shopping.  It is where we spent the afternoon and evening.  Dinner involved elk burgers and a cowboy shoot out.  We are on our path home and the stops along the way are incredible!