Sequoia National Forest
I had a wonderful time on my camping trip to the Sequoia’s. The weather was perfect (warm during the day and cool at night), the trees were awesome and incredibly impressive, and the night sky was clear enough to witness a couple of meteors from the tail end of the Perseid showers. Our campground was definitely packed, but the Kaweah River that ran beside it was serene enough to watch a baby mule deer drink and eat across from us (I’m assuming it hasn’t learned to fear humans yet.)
Sequoia National Park is definitely a popular tourist attraction, just south of Yosemite I’m sure it comes in as number 2 on the most visited parks in California. There were plenty of tourists from other countries from the different languages I overheard while I was visiting.
The road that led up to the park entrance was undergoing some major construction and our drive to the park was treacherous as the windy mountain road narrowed to one lane for a few miles. The construction workers only open the road at the top of each hour to let each side go through. But, once inside the park, there’s a FREE shuttle that runs from the campground to some of the major attractions like General Sherman tree and Giant Forest every 10-15 minutes.
The shuttle’s main stop was at our campground, Lodgepole, so we used the shuttle to visit these places plus Crescent Meadow. I was surprised that more people weren’t using it; it was much faster since the bus drivers were so familiar with the windy road they zipped up and down the highway much quicker than I could have driven. The free shuttles definitely saved me from using my own gas, which was great considering there are only two gas stations within the park and the prices are somewhat expensive.
Mule Deer, Sequoia National Park
We missed out on visiting Crystal Cave which was closed due to road construction and we ended up not having enough time to hike Tokopah Falls. My husband was disappointed that we didn’t see a bear (bear boxes were everywhere and all our food and toiletries had to be placed in them day and night), but I was secretly grateful! We will have to go back in a year or two to complete the missed attractions, and hopefully see a bear (from a very far distance if I have my way!)
An Inexpensive Weekend Get-Away: Camping!
Though it’s been cooler than normal where I live for this time of year, summer is creeping up and I’m itching to get away. I’m on a budget and can’t afford to take off more than 3 or 4 days at a time, but there’s plenty for me to do in the beautiful state of California. Within driving distance of a few short hours, I can be at the ocean, desert, valley, or in the mountains. Not all states offer this amazing variety, but most states have at least one or two of these scenic options available.
What better way to enjoy the scenery than by camping. It’s an inexpensive get-away that can offer plenty of excitement and activity for 3 or 4 days. Camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it,” a complaint I often hear from non-campers. In fact, my own camping style is more on the luxurious end. Here’s a basic list to get started:
- Tent: This is actually optional. The first couple of years I camped, I spent the night in my Element. The back seats fold all the way down to form a bed. As long as you have some kind of shelter from the elements, pretty much any cover will work.
- Sleeping bags: In California, the nights are quite a bit cooler than the days. Especially at higher elevations. A decent sleeping bag is a must.
- Stove/burner: Over the years our cooking gear has grown, but a basic burner will work for heating up beans and eggs. Many camp sites have grills, though they usually aren’t very clean. We purchased a basic two-burner stove a few years back that works for most of our meals.
- Ice chest: We’ve gotten into the habit of bringing two ice chests; one for food and the other for drinks (okay, beer!) Depending on the number of people you feed, you might need a larger one.
- Cookware/plastic trash bags/water: We have a few large Rubbermaid bins that hold all of our cookware, utensils, plastic bags, and bug repellent. We also take our own water; usually around 3-5 gallons. Many campgrounds in our area don’t have potable water sources.
- Optional – Air Bed: Yeah, you read that right. We bring along a queen-sized air mattress and blow it up using an air compressor. We don’t rough it.
- Optional – Generator: Again, we don’t rough it. At night, after sitting near the campfire, we enjoy watching a movie on our laptop. Since the battery only lasts about 1.5 hours, we use the generator to power the last 30 minutes.
- Optional – Heater: A couple of years ago while camping we got caught in a freak April snow storm. Man,were we glad we had a propane heater. Note: you’re not supposed to use it indoors due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- And if you really don’t want to rough-it -camp in an RV: You can even rent an RV through CruiseAmerica.com if you don’t want to fork over tens of thousands of dollars.
Sitting under the stars (yes there are still stars up in the night sky; who knew!?) by the camp fire drinking a cold one is a great way to relax. During the day we often explore the area by foot, car or bike. This year our camping trip is scheduled for Sequoia National Park where there’s plenty to see and do. If you haven’t booked your camping trip for this summer yet, there’s still time. Here are a few tips to get a great spot:
- Use an online booking site like ReserveAmerica.com. You can view the campground and select a site based on location.
- Choose a lesser-known campground. One that is under developed, ie. vault toilets instead of flush, or one just outside a major national park will have more spots available on short notice.
- Wing it. There are still campgrounds that offer first-come, first-serve spots, even at popular national parks like Yosemite. However, you need to make a point to arrive early to actually get a spot and preferably before the weekend rush.
My 4-day, 3-night camping trip was $60 to book; a great deal in my opinion (camp site fees vary per site and state). Factor in gas and food and my excursion will come in under $350; an affordable get-away by any means.
Where do like to go to get-away? Is camping in your plans this summer?
You might have noticed my header states I’ve “Gone Fishing.” I just couldn’t find a “Gone Camping” sign in time to replace it, so for now it will have to do. But YES, I’ve gone camping and will be back in time for another Tuesday Tip! In the meantime, feel free to snoop around for articles that whet your appetite. OR, take a peek below at some camping tips (mishaps from my more naive days):
- Love da ‘coons! – Want great critter photos? Just leave delicious chocolate Power Bars on the picnic table right out side your tent. I never knew raccoons loved Power Bars, too.
- There’s nothing better than a campfire, minus the smoke. – Making a long-burning campfire takes experience and finesse. There’s nothing better than getting the logs all sorted, then watching them smolder in their own smoke.
- Day 3 – forgo that makeup and forget about brushing thy hair – Day 1: arrive clean and well kept; Day 2: brush hair, throw it up in a pony-tail, put on a little make-up and deodorant; Day 3: the grime has set in. Forget about the hair or makeup, just putting in the contact lenses is good enough! Oh wait. We’re going into town?! Crap.
Some Yakezie reads for your pleasure:
See you soon. A wee-ma-whack, a-wee-ma-whack, a-wee-ma-whack, a-wee-ma-whack….
I normally don’t go camping holiday weekends, but because I got to leave two days early in hopes I’d beat the holiday rush, I decided this was as good a time as any. Enjoy your Memorial Day and I’ll be back to posting by Monday Tuesday! Here are just a few posts for your enjoyment:
