Today is the final day of backroads tour and this morning we set off to do some exploring on two wheels. This ride travels over some rolling hills before descending along the Tuolomne River, where we enjoyed picturesque views on the way to Rainbow Pools. Along
the way, we saw the evidence of the devastating 2013
Rim Fire, the third largest wildfire in California history, that burnt over 250,000 acres. Distance to Rainbow Pool: .13.6 miles

I was so proud of the kids so bravely riding their way downhill on this curvy roads along the side of the cliffs.

After about 2/3 or the ride where the roads got really steep, kids and Andrew got into the van for the remainder of the ride and I continued to ride my bike to the final destination. What a spectacular view! I didn’t get a chance to take any pictures at this point as the roads were pretty steep and I was just soaking up on  beautiful Tuolumne River canyon.

While others felt they had enough of hiking during this trip, Chloe and I couldn’t pass the opportunity to see more. So it was me, Chloe, Marc and our leader Zoë who continued through forest to the base of Lembert Dome, to a huge mound of polished granite rising 800 feet above Tuolumne Meadows. It was definitely one of the hardest and scariest I’ve ever climbed to get to the top. Not to mention, I was fearful for Chloe as the slope was really steep and it was very windy but she did so much better than me. I was the one who was lagging behind and slowing everyone down. 

The view from the top was impressive from a distance, but from the top, the endless views were well worth the effort!

What a cool moment this was! The rest of the group who stayed by the river spotted us  from all the way bottom, so we did a little victory dance.

Coming down was even more scary!

Today we are spending the day hiking in the Sierra Nevada high country. After breakfast we shuttle to Tuolumne Meadows, the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Sitting at 8,600 feet, it was created by a glacier more than 2,000 feet thick and
21?2 miles long!

We crossed two forks of the Tuolumne River, whose rushing waters wind through the meadow, past granite domes, alpine lakes and deep canyons, and into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Our Tour family picture.

And picture with our fabulous leaders. We’ll miss you guys so much! They’ve been so wonderfully catering to our every needs with big smiles and such enthusiasm making our trip such an awesome experience.  It’s been so convent and luxurious to be cared by them, it’ll be a difficult transition to get used to our normal life without them. You guys rock!

At the end of our hike, there was a picnic waiting for us by the water.

We dipped our feet in this icy cold water to cool off our tired feet.

Our home for the night: The Majestic Yosemite hotel. Its name says it all.  Built in the 1920″s with stunning views and exceptional architecture. The Majestic Yosemite Hotel was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point.

Dinner at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room

Kids went out to town with our leaders for dinner while the adults enjoyed fine dining.

Exploring the hotel:

Great Lounge

Solarium room: letting in the bright mountain sunshine

The biggest fireplace I’ve seen.

Winter Club Room

Mural room

Breathtaking sunset. My camera couldn’t capture it but the colors looked exactly like Mac OS X screensaver of Half dome…

Kids came back from dinner and they were having a blast running around on the lawn.

Can you see the kids?

Lovely to see these kids forming a new friendship. 

Hiding behind the bush?

Our home for the first night: Tenaya Lodge

Shane hit it off with the other boy at the pool. 🙂  A beginning of a new friendship…

After swim, we gathered for cocktail hour  

followed by BBQ dinner with a live concert

Smores!

Shane showing off his dance moves.

fortnight dance off.

We flewed to San Francisco this morning and here we are having a delicious dinner with my cousin’s family.

Thank you for treating us to dinner! It was soooo good to see you guys!

Chloe’s friend’s family invited us over for a playdate at their lake.

Shane caught a frog.

So happy we got to squeeze in one more playdate before we go off to our summer vacation. Thank you for the awesome time!

Aside from the great fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ away from our daily chores, the church retreat for me is about slowing down and reflect on my spiritual journey… I’m so grateful for this time with my church family every year.

We are back!