I’ve finally edited our pictures from our camping trip. Phew! It’s always a challenge to get through all the pictures I take from a trip in a timely manner. Especially when life is kind of crazy right now.

Anyway, it’s done and I will try not to over share
Pinnacles National Monument is located outside Soledad, California about a 3 hour drive from San Francisco. It’s spectacular volcanic rock formations and breathtaking hikes through caves and wooded trails make it such a rewarding camping experience overall!
Now I use the terms “hiking” and “caves” loosely. We have a 2 year old and a self-proclaimed Inside-Boy (as in he loves to stay “inside” our home whenever possible) in our group.
Their idea of hikes and caves is 2 blocks up the street to the bakery. The beginning of the hike was a little painful but we powered through and they slowly adapted. Slowly.
This particular hike we did was a short one up to the Bear Gulch Reservoir. It was less than a mile long. However it was through rough terrain and uneven ground. And uphill. Through pitch dark caves.
 But hey if we could do it ANYONE can.

As you can see the rewards were pretty great. The trails were wooded and offered us beautiful views of the rock formations and the reservoir at the top was just majestic. We lunched by the water while scoping out the  squirrels, condors and water snakes.
All this was happening during Jack-Jack’s usual nap hours. Yes there were moments it was more than a little painful. But it was all worth it to get the kids out in such a beautiful setting.
I just love that little personality of hers overflowing into everything we do. She cracks me up all the time.

After our leisurely lunch with the reservoir wildlife, we decided to head back down. The trip back was much quicker with a lot less complaining. I’m thinking it was because they were completely exhausted from our uphill hike they couldn’t muster anymore energy to even complain

We stopped a few more times for water breaks. Jack-Jack ended up falling asleep riding her dad’s shoulders. Yes it IS possible to sleep vertically when you’re 2!
I will share a few more shots tomorrow of our campsite shenanigans after our friends arrived!