Camping in Pinnacles

We had a great weekend camping with friends in Pinnacles National Monument, east of Monterey. There were a few minor mishaps along the way (forgetting the bag with our clothes and toiletries!), but we managed, and Josie did awesome. She was certainly a handful at the campsite, wanting to get into everything and run around. During the trip, we saw a hare, a California condor, quail, snake, lizards, and loads of other birds. Josie couldn't get enough. We have to start planning our next adventure!

She loved walking on the railroad ties that lined the edge of the parking spot... perhaps we have a future gymnast on our hands?


Despite the rocky environment, the area was full of color, displayed by the lichens and the wildflowers.


Dan pointed out the different flower species and even collected a few seeds for propagation at home.


Dan carried Josie in the backpack on a 6.5 mile hike through the mountains (very steep and narrow at times).


Here's our group after the hike, looking forward to ice cream treats at the campground store.