Day 8 - Sequoia

At the bottom of the Moro Rock steps.

Well, in my last post, I mentioned that we were going to take the free shuttle around the park. For those of you that know us :), you know that we aren't the greatest of public transportation people. We arrived at the shuttle pick-up just minutes too late - much to my irritation :). It is now the running joke about missing the shuttle and mom! It is quite a feat getting the troops ready each morning. Every one needs a shower and bathroom time to groom...needless to say we are a slow-moving machine. We ended up driving to the hike we wanted to go on - Moro Rock. 400 steps to the top of a beautiful view. We did make it in time for the Ranger Talk there and learned about the different types of rock formations (granite, marble, and something else :). From there we went back to the room and Jerry and I TOOK A NAP! We are on vacation, but hadn't a nap in a week :). The kids explored a bit outside and then read a bit...they definitely don't need naps...just their poor, tired parents. We then went on a 3 mile hike to see a beautiful waterfall. We had a bit of a miscommunication with our oldest two adventurers. We thought they were heading to the bottom of the falls where there was a swimming hole; they thought that they told us they were going back down the trail. Hmmm....it was a bit of a stressful time for Jerry and I trying to figure out what could have happened to them. It was a great lesson about sticking together! Why is it that the challenging times are the things that produce the fruit and teach the great life lessons? Needless to say, we were all happily reunited at the bottom of the trial. We then had a picnic dinner by the side of the river and then did some rock hopping. Then off to an early bed! Another great day!