National Monument Kick Off!!

We had a MAJOR change in plans for our Memorial Day weekend.  We had reservations at Lake Sonoma for the weekend but got an email on Thursday morning that they had canceled our reservation due to construction in the campground. Well timed folks!

Onto plan B!!!  We let Gherkin and KimChee tent in the back yard, we BBQ'd with friends Saturday and Monday and kicked off our National Park and Monument list for One Year One Family by going to Muir Woods.

Memorial Day Camping Pickles Style!

 Muir Woods National Monument is now reservations only for parking or shuttle bus from about 30 minutes out.  We headed across the bay and caught the shuttle.

Someone was tired before we even started

 Muir Woods is a very accessable park.  The main trail is paved or boardwalk and we looked very out of place in our boots and gear against the suit coats and loafers.

Welcome

 There were redwoods as soon as we started - part of why this is such a well known location for ease of getting into the redwoods.

Some of the shorter trees

 We headed out on the paved path till we could find some of the "path less traveled"

Dill and the Boys 

Sweet needs to remember to pack the gorilla pod so she can be in pictures - balancing on fence posts isn't great

 The boys were counting "hobbit homes" with all the trees with opening.

Gherkin and KimChee find their new home in the forest.

 We had some interesting log scramble but Gherkin was a great help to his little brother.

The boys got to do a little boulder-ing.

 When we finished the hike we headed down to Rodeo Beach - they have a great pond on the back side so we aren't as concerned with the boys playing in the water.  Gherkin spent 3 days here for Outdoor School this year.

Rinsing off KimChee - Thanks Brother!

The countdown continues toward the start of our adventure.  A little over 6 weeks left till we pull chocks and head out.