Mono Lake

We met up with our California Kayaking friends at the campground in Mammoth. On Saturday we headed for Mono Lake. The weather was fine and sunny when we left but we knew that we had a small window of good weather. Sure enough as we were on the lake enjoying the Tuffa formations, a storm cell came over. We padddled as fast as we could through the wind, rain and occasional lightening to arrive back at the beach safe but salty. Our adventure gave us something to talk about around the campfire but the weather ended any chance of a paddle the next day.

 Looking into the clear water of Mono Lake you can see the new Tuffa forming. You can also see millions of Brine shrimp wiggling around. These are the same creatures they called sea monkeys when we were kids.

 

 Salt covered friends.

Yosemite

As September began,it really sank in to me that I didn't have to return to work. So we took our time going through Yosemite, our final destination Mono Lake and a paddle with our kayaking friends. We have enjoyed exploring the different routes to go places from Cambria. The 46 to the 41 leads us right to Yosemite which is one of our favorite places. We enjoyed staying in the  primitive Porcupine  Creek campground snuggled in our warm  sleeping bags in our tent. Even though we have the RV we still enjoy tent camping when we go kayaking. The sites are always spectacular in Yosemite no matter how many times we have seen them.

 

 Notice that Mike wore his "made it to the top" t shirt from a previous trip when we went up the cables to the top of Half Dome. We enjoyed seeing Half Dome from different angles.

Early in the morning there was mist coming off Tanaya Lake. We had never seen that before. We had a wonderful breakfast in the meadow at Tuolumne

There was a good amount of water in Bridalveil  falls

Sequoia

While in California Arlo had requested a trip to Sequoia to see the big trees. We loaded up the RV and off we went. We camped at Lake Hume.

Then off to Ohio

Our son Cameron couldnt come to California because of his school schedule so we took the boys back to Ohio and had a week visiting with him. Ohio has some beautiful hiking places.










 We had a great day with Mikes sister Sharon, her husband Mike and their family in their boat on the Lake. We particularily enjoyed the wave runners.

 

We visited Cameron school, the Hobart Welding Institute.

                                    


  Mike and his sister Sharon

A visit from the boys

In July Arlo (8) and Jack (6) our oldest grandsons came from Ohio to visit. This was the first time they had been with their cousin Bixby since he was a baby. We had a "Farmer Family Reunion" with

four generations present. 

Back row: Brian (Kellys husband), Mike,  my brother Bill, my brother Simon
Middle: Michaela(Simons daughter) Kelly, Mom, Arlo (Cameron son), Dad
Lower: Bixby(Kellys son), Sue, Samantha on lap (Danielles daughter), Jack (Camerons son)
             baby Logan (Danielles son), Randy (Danielles husband) and Aubrey (Danielles daughter)

Arlo loved taking care of Bixby. My mom is in the background













                    Mike and my brother Bill play guitar

Jack is a really good reader

Arlo taught Bixby how to swim

My dad let the boys work on his drawing board

Arlo learned to cook eggs.

Nana and her boys