Wish You Were Here
YOSEMITE: In June, Milpitas brothers Christopher and Nicholas Lai, back, and their Pleasanton cousins, Breelyn and Iris Tong, camped for five nights in Yosemite National Park with their families. “They had so much fun biking, hiking, toasting marshmallows by the campfire and going to the park’s evening programs,” says mom Connie Lai. “Not only did deer and a coyote walk right through their campsite, but the park rangers even paid them a visit. They were elated to meet the friendly rangers and pet their horses.”
Travel tips: “Always wear sturdy shoes when hiking some of the trails. Many trails to the waterfalls have steep inclines and are especially slippery when wet. For your own safety, never climb beyond the safety zones or signs.”
YOSEMITE: San Jose residents Jerry and Debbie Kleva visited Yosemite National Park with their daughters, Natasha and Mary (pictured), this summer on a trip that included a hike to Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.
Travel tips: “Make sure you’re wearing good hiking shoes or boots that are broken in,” Jerry says. “Bring plenty of water and energy snacks, and don’t forget sunscreen and hats, as the sun can be very intense under the typical clear blue skies. Any tips on Tuolumne Meadows area in general, I would sum up with two words: mosquito spray! So many beautiful mountain lakes, streams and meadows, but we did battle those pesky little blood suckers.”
ZION NATIONAL PARK: In May, Lynn and Ron Garrison, of Benicia, visited six national parks in Utah and Nevada, including Zion, where they hiked to Angels Landing (pictured), as well as Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef and Great Basin.
Travel tips: “Hiking at least 10 miles a day in each park, we discovered a new appreciation for the beauty and diversity of desert environments, from hugging a hoodoo to spelunking the Lehman Caves,” Ron says. “We recommend sweating while hiking these great national parks to fully experience their natural gifts.”
GRAND CANYON: The San Leandro Buscovich Boys — Nick, Dan, Steve and Tom — took “the 20+ mile bonding hike to Havasu Falls in Supai, Arizona,” Nick says. “The hike begins three and a half hours’ drive from Las Vegas where you descend 2,000 feet into a section of the Grand Canyon and follow the canyon to the Indian village of Supai. It’s a four and a half-hour hike for elders taking their time. (We saw) spectacular desert scenery and incredible waterfalls — Havasu, Fifty Foot and Mooney. We were the oldest people on the hike — with over 250 years of life experience — but we made it by helping each other and encouraging each other. We inspired a lot of young people.”
Travel tips: “You can take a helicopter or burro, but at least on the trip down you have to hike it to appreciate the scenery. If you want to carry only daypacks you can stay at Havasupai Lodge or, for the younger crowd with full packs, you can stay at the campgrounds next to Havasu Falls. Some people send all their heavy stuff to the post office in Supai and pick up their things there.”