Back from the utter east

Meg and Ellen have returned from their easterly loop for a final few days with us in the Creek.  Their latest trip took them from the snowy volcanoes of Lassen to the granite cliffs of Yosemite, and included a bear.  Much hiking was done, including Meg's ascent to the top of Vernal Falls and beyond - no small accomplishment on her small legs.  There was, however, a dearth of fine coffee and gourmet ice cream out that way, something we are more than happy to put right now they're back in paradise.

Little house in the big woods.  Ellen would like it noted that she made that fire.

Meg and Mt. Lassen.

Up in the snow on the volcanoes.

The appropriately-monikered Boiling Springs Lake.

Hikers together.

It's a bear!  This one was a cinnamon-coloured black bear, who they saw twice, so he was probably trained for the tourists.

Keeping Tahoe blue.

Campfire at Tuolemne Meadows lodge.  Ellen's fire building skills increase!

Tenaya Lake in the east of Yosemite Park.

Megan receives her Junior Ranger badge for Yosemite (the best Junior Ranger badge) from Ranger Sheree.

On the way up the Mist Trail.

Vernal Falls in good flow.

Meg: ranging, hiking, smiling, loving California.