Cari and Andy Mujica: Backpacking in Yosemite

Andy and I finally got three days off together and we decided to take advantage of it. It was a last minute decision to choose Yosemite over Mt. Shasta or Mt. Lassen and it was definitely worth it. We headed out on Friday morning (after Andy woke up...haha). It started off a little frustrating because I, being the planner that I am, was asking too many questions of my husband, who is so much more spontaneous than me. However, we survived it! We decided on Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite due to the expectation of fewer people hiking this part of the park. We got lucky and only ran into two groups of hikers. It was about 5:00pm when we got ready to hike the first part of our trip. We hiked up hill for about 2hrs (gained about 1500ft in elevation). Then we ventured off trail to find a secluded flat area to to set up camp. The best part was that there was a waterfall/river flowing right by the trail so we got to listen to that all night. We set up camp and made dinner (pasta). Of course camping isn't camping without a fire, so Andy made one for us. We slept and got up the next morning ready for our next adventure. We made oatmeal and hot chocolate (coffee for Andy) for breakfast. We left all our gear except for one pack with essentials for day hiking, knowing we were coming back to camp out again in the same spot. This day trip was all up hill too with about another 1500ft in elevation gain. It was so worth it when we got to the top....beautiful doesn't describe it. We ate lunch and took some photos. The best part is that there was still some snow on the mountain! We tried to take another hike to a lake but the trail had quite a few obstacles and Andy already had a blister and I was working on one...so, we went back to camp and took a nap. Then we had dinner (pasta) and this time dessert! It was dark chocolate cheesecake (dehydrated camping style). It was delicious. Then we played cards and just enjoyed each others company, talking and laughing, and remembering old times. (In three years of marriage we really have some created some great memories). We fell asleep and awoke the next morning to another great day, but this time we had to clean up camp and head home. Although I am afraid of the dark (and bears) and don't care for bugs...I always enjoy our backpacking trips because its just the two of us with nothing but time for each other. We sometimes talk and sometimes just zone out on our hikes. We laugh and play cards and just enjoy the simple things in life. The whole way home I kept thinking about how little we need in life to survive and be happy. I am so happy to have my husband in my life (if he was writing I know he would say the same about me in his life...right dear? haha). We took lots of pictures and I have posted the ones I liked the best. Enjoy.

Panoramic of Yosemite at the top of Smith Peak