The troop’s trip to Yosemite was truly the trip of a lifetime. I have been many places around the world, but this was a fantastic opportunity to see many places right here that I always wanted to see. Our family drove across the country, and were able to see the fantastic sites of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Death Valley. It was a hectic three weeks of driving, packing, and unpacking. Wonderful, but busy.

In the middle of the trip was our stop in Yosemite. Staying high above Mono Lake, (and just about everything else,) the camp was an oasis in the mountains. From preparation classes to packing food, we experienced life at high altitude. And the fun was just beginning. I was fortunate to be able to hike with my son and our small group through 30 miles of pristine wilderness. No cell phones, no TV, no electricity. Time effectively stood still. We worked hard, stayed focused, and had a great time.

From small trout streams (with small trout in them) to huge sugar pine cones, we experienced nature at its finest. The boys were able to see a mountain lion, which looked strangely like a deer from far away! Teamwork was paramount, from breaking camp to hiking trails to looking for Koz. It was a chance to bond with friends and family members, common experiences to be shared for years to come.

Yosemite is truly a national treasure, to be cherished and preserved as such. It was an awesome experience, and the trip of a lifetime!