East Coast Girl

Don't get me wrong...I had an INCREDIBLE time in California this past week - but despite the fun I just don't think I could ever live there. I'm truly an East Coast Girl at heart. Rachel & I flew into San Jose on Tuesday morning and then spent the afternoon/early evening in San Fran...which was freezing! I imagine the 60 degree/windy weather is nice in December, but I couldn't handle that all year round. On Wednesday afternoon we hit the road for Yosemite and didn't waste any time before exploring the park. We quickly checked into the hotel and then headed into Mariposa Grove to check out the big trees...
On Thursday, Rachel and I squeezed in 2 quick hikes before our 1:30 horseback ride with some of the rest of the gang. The views were so-so and the trails were dusty! We were literally caked in a layer of dust by the end of our two hour tour. We had just enough time to shower and head to the Tenaya Lodge for Tyler's birthday celebration. Friday was our best day of all - We hiked to Glacier Point to check out the incredible views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley and then drove down into the Valley and hiked to Vernal Falls...


On Saturday, deciding that nothing could top our views from the previous day, we took it easy and drove around Bass Lake and then relaxed by our hotel pool. Then it was off to celebrate the wedding of Stephanie and Tyler! Stephanie looked completely stunning and their handwritten vows had almost all guests in tears. The reception was a blast - We danced the night away to some of our old VT favorites. Congratulations Tyler & Steph!
On Sunday we had a rough drive back to San Jose and then headed to the beach to recover a bit in the fresh air. We weren't anticipating the frigid temperatures and wind gusts! (Ok, maybe not frigid, but certainly not the beach weather I had in mind!) After a quick walk, we headed back to Evan's for dinner and a good night sleep, ready for our Monday morning departure home. Truly a great weekend with great friends - One for the memory book!