Birthday trip to Yosemite

My first ever trip to Yosemite was for my 38th birthday this week. It's not like I haven't wanted to go before, I just never really planned it at a good time. I usually thought "oh this would be a great weekend to go" but of course it would be in the middle summer when no reservations were available. So in August I was thinking what can I do for my birthday, as I would never work on my birthday I think it should be a law, yet with no money for a big vacation I thought let's try for Yosemite. After consulting my resident Yosemite expert Sarah, I made reservations at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls that is right in the valley at the base of the Lower Yosemite Falls. Along for the ride was my mom, sister Fonda, and niece Jasmine. Fonda has been to Yosemite many times before but it has been a long time since, she thinks Jasmine was maybe just out of diapers. My mom and I have never been and since Jasmine probably doesn't remember her first trip, it was a great time for a first trip to make.
We left Monday from Sacramento heading down 99 to 140. Unfortunately I had a migraine the night before so I couldn't really help with the driving and Fonda made it through the winding, twisting, cliff hanging drive into the valley. We did a quick loop around the valley, stopping at several turnouts to take it all the beauty around us. We drove up to Tunnel View which is a classic start to the trip. All the valley is laid out before you. It amazing how all the trees in the valley hide all the roads and camp grounds and you believe there is no human life below you, just tree and nature.
We checked into our hotel around 4pm. Yes, this isn't true camping in Yosemite, but it's October and 20 degrees at night so I'm ok spending the couple hundred dollars a night to have a private bath, tv and refrig in the room and indoor heating. Our room had a private little patio to sit out and watch the fattest chipmunks ever beg for food (we obeyed the Yosemite law and didn't feed them). The bike trail was also right out our back door and Lower Yosemite Falls out the front of the building. Since it we had a few hours of daylight to burn we asked how long of a walk to the Ahwahnee hotel as we weren't aware there were free shuttle service in the valley floor. Instead we took the 2 mile hike to the hotel along the lower Yosemite trail and got there just before it was completely dark. We encountered a few mule deer eating in the back of the hotel.
Now I don't want to sound unappreciative of the beauty, but I wasn't really that impressed with the Ahwahnee. I guess I was expecting something bigger and grander from all that I've heard about it. But I think I'm just used to the Grand California Hotel in Disneyland and we expecting something more along that line. But it was still worth the long walk and luckily we found out about the free shuttle to take us back to our hotel, as it was completely dark out by the time we were ready to leave the hotel.
The next day was my birthday!!!! Woke up for a restless night sleep, 2 adults don't fit that well on a double bed. Still had a slight headache, but not enough to keep me inside. We decided to take the shuttle around the valley and hop off wherever the mood struck us. We took the Happy Isles stop and starting up the trail to the Vernal Falls. Usually this is a wet trail, hence why it's called mist trail, but at this time of the year the only waterfall to have any sort of water was Bridalveil Falls, so we thought this would be a good chance to walk the trial without getting wet. Unfortunately half way up either it was the altitude or just bad timing, but all the sudden I turned a corner and my head went into full blown migraine mood. It actually felt like I was going to blow out the back of my skull. I started to sweat, even though it was only about 50 degrees out in the shade and felt sick to my stomach. After a few minutes of trying to see straight and not black out we decided to head back to the shuttle and go back to the room for lunch and for me to stop my heading from pounding. After eating and a few moments rest I was ready to get back out there. We decided to take head over to Lower Yosemite Falls trial and then to the bike/hiking trail that was out the back door of our room along the valley floor. I believe it was called the Sentinel/Cooks Loop. It took us along the Merced River (more like stream at this time) through meadows and to the Chapel (the oldest building in the park which is still in use).
After about an hour and half hike my head told me it was time to rest and I went back to the room for a quick nap in the dark while my mom, Fonda and Jasmine took off for exploring. They returned after a nice hour and half of stillness and ready for my birthday dinner. We ended up at Curry Village which wasn't my original plan for dinner, but after seeing the prices and entrees at the Ahwahnee and the Lodge restaurants it turned out to be a better deal. I had cheese enchiladas, spanish rice and salad for dinner along with chocolate cake and apple cobbler for dessert. Overall a good birthday, minus the pounding headache.
Thursday was check out time. We got up early and headed over to the Visitor Center, Ansel Adams gallery and the museum before checking out. After a slight fight with the family in the parking lot (by now we have had enough of each other in close quarters) we all stopped a took pictures of the deer wondering in the parking lot. It's amazing how unaware these animals are of people. Luckily we did not see a bear, only plenty of the red signs warning speeding kills bears which marks a recent site of a bear being killed by a car. But we did see a bobcat outside our room, mule deer, plenty of fat chipmunks and crows that could carry a small baby away.
We headed to the south entrance of the park with a quick stop for lunch at Bridalveil Falls (only a little amount of water flowing, but still very pretty). After and hour and half drive in the park we stopped for a quick photo of Wawona Hotel and then went onto the Mariposa Groves. These groves house some large redwoods, one known as the Grizzly Giant that is as tall as a 19 story building and one branch is over 7 ft in diameter. These are really impressive trees and such a peaceful beautiful walk through the forest. Definitely worth ending or starting your trip to Yosemite here, but I think it's something you only need to do once, as there is so much more to do within Yosemite Valley and surrounding areas that I can't wait to go back. Overall it was a great trip at a perfect time to go to avoid crowds and still have great weather. I hope to visit sometime in the spring to see the flowers and falls flowing. Hopefully next time I won't have a migraine and can make it up more of the hikes and see the whole beauty of the park.

Mom, Jasmine and Fonda at the view from our hotel

El Captain

Fonda and Jasmine in the valley

Bridalveil Falls view from the stop I took the picture of El Captain

Back view of the Ahwahnee Hotel

Sentinel Meadows

View of Half Dome at Sentinel Meadows

Sentinel Meadows trail

Fonda, me and Jasmine in Sentinel Meadows

The Chapel

Jasmine dwarfed by Lower Yosemite Falls

Jasmine at Lower Yosemite Falls

Visitors Center

Jasmine having a rest with John Muir

Ansel Adams Gallery

Jasmine at Bridalveil Falls

Climbers (crazy people) on El Captain

Mule deer wondering the parking lot

Big fatass Crow
Wawona Hotel

Mariposa Grove

Fonda and Jasmine pose with a fallen tree

The Bachelor and 3 Graces

Grizzly Giant

California Tree

View through the California Tree

Perfect posed Grey Squirrel

Mom the treehugger

More beauty in the park

Woofstock

Sunday was Woofstock up in El Dorado Hills community park. I only took Maggie as taking both Charlie and Maggie would be too much for me to handle at once, so Charlie got to stay home and oversee the house. Maggie got an up close and personal ride with Hank in the back of Sarah and Rolf's Sequoia but didn't seem to mind the 100 pound difference and just laid down for the ride up.
There where a ton of booths and a ton of dogs. I even commented on how I was amazed I didn't hear one dog fight break out, but as Sarah pointed out this is El Dorado Hills and that doesn't happen up here.
Hank and Maggie made quick use of the off leash dog park area where Hank made a friend with a pitbull and made chase, where Maggie found a ball and was quite happy to stay playing fetch. We took a loop around the vendors and Maggie and Hank got heart peace sign spraypainted on their backsides to fit in with the whole love and peace atmosphere of Woofstock.
Shelly and Bella showed up and Bella made a fast acquaintance of Hank. She is so cute as she is not really used to being around so many dogs and quickly tucks her tail in and gives you those sad puppy dogs eyes of help me. She is more a people dog which is a good thing she weighs so little as she would rather be held than have dogs running up and smelling hello to her. She prefers human kisses hello.
Elsa wasn't too interested in all the dogs, so her and Rolf played in the playground and watch a kite dance in the sky. Rolf is now determined to get her a kite even though she wasn't too sure she wanted to hold it, just more watch it than anything.
It was a great day of dog fun and Sarah pondered the adoption of a sweet little Pug that took quickly to Hank. I have a feeling Hank will have a new playmate soon, even if it's not the little pug. Next time I'll maybe take Charlie instead of Maggie and see how he does with all the dogs around, I have a feeling there might be a dog fight even if it is in El Dorado Hills....

Hank makes a friend

Bella shows off her sweet face

Elsa is making her own fun at the park

Chicken Cacciatore

Well tonight I had to cook up the chicken I bought last week (it's been in the freezer until yesterday) before it went bad so I pulled together all the ingredients I had for Ellie Krieger's version of healthy Chicken Cacciatore (don't really know what an unhealthy version is, since I can't say I've ever made or eaten it before tonight). Plus it's been a few weeks since I've tried a new recipe out.
This recipe had a few more ingredients needed than the usual recipes I have been trying out, but I figured why not give it a try since I had everything. In the cookbook she describes it as a recipe that checks all the boxes, it's easy to make, everyone loves it and you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
Lets take it one step at a time - Easy to make. For the most part it is. Not a ton of chopping, except for the teary eyed onions and sweet smell of red bell peppers. I bought the pre-sliced mushrooms so that saved me a step and also had chicken strips instead of bone-in breast as they were cheaper at Trader Joes (only all natural cage free chicken for me). I read the instructions carefully as I usually don't and just end up throwing in all the ingredients at once without thought and then realizing afterwards there is a process to follow and a reason why. Sauteed the onions and bell peppers after browning the chicken (transferred to a plate in the meantime). Then browned the mushrooms and added coking white wine to reduce. Now I don't usually have wine on hand as I don't drink it and had a bottle of cooking white wine that I used instead, don't know if this makes any difference at all, but the headed the warning on the label and did not consume any as I cooked (plus it smelled too strong). I then added the tomatoes and spices and simmered for ten minutes before adding the chicken back in to cook. Now the only thing I would change here would be to lower the stovetop temperature as after the allotted cooking time the sauce had all reduced own to a browning (some would call burning) mess stuck to the bottom of the pan. I've seen on TV where their deglace it with wine or something, but I'm not that skilled so I just had a more caramelized version than intended.
Second statement- Everyone Loves it. Before tonight I've never had Chicken Cacciatore. If I'm having Italian food it's usually some heavy pasta dish in a cream sauce, I mean really who wastes their tastebuds on a tomato based sauce when eating out??? But I thought since I'm trying to eat healthier and so far have liked everything I've made from Ellie's cookbook, why not. Again cooking anything that involves onions and garlic makes me instantly like the meal more. I always feel more like a cook when the house smells of an Italian restaurant. At the end of the cooking process the wine in the sauce seem to be the overpowering scent and made me wish I had a nice vino to accompany my dish. But I only had the cooking wine or red wine vinegar, not a good choice either way so I stuck with my mineral water. I added a little rice pilaf and topped it with the chicken creation. I must say I really enjoyed the dish. I think the burning (browning) of the tomatoes, onions and peppers helped as I do like the tasted of burnt food, but it seemed more like it was supposed to be caramelized on purpose. The chicken was tender, even though I think I cooked it too much in the early browning portion of the cooking. Because the sauce was reduced down it wasn't running or too saucy. I would highly recommend giving this recipe a try if you want to make a healthy Italian meal. You can top it over spaghetti or fusilli pasta.
Last step - refrigerate the leftovers and if you want to make it a little unhealthy add some fresh made garlic bread and don't forget the glass of vino! Mangia, Mangia!

**Too dark to take a photo, had to steal off the internet

Recipe:
4 skinless bone-in chicken breast (approx 2.5 pounds)
1/4 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
2 tsp olive oil
1 med onion, cut in half, then thinly sliced into half-moons
1 med red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
8oz thinly sliced white mushrooms
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1-4.5oz can no-salt added diced tomatoes with their juices
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in the a large skillet over med-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Add onion and bell pepper, cover and cook, stirring a few times, until the vegetables begin to soften , about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. Add the tomatoes and their juices, the oregano and red pepper flakes and simmer, covered for 10 minutes.
Return the chicken breast to the pan and simmer, covered until they are just cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt, black pepper or red pepper.

A successful day at the vet

Normally I HATE taking the dogs to the vet together, but this weekend I actually had an incident-free visit. Maggie always panics and makes a run for the door as soon as we get in and Charlie tries to attack whatever sweet innocent dog might have the luck to share the waiting space with him. Saturday the dogs had to go in for their annual exam and shots (actually they weren't due until Nov but because they are being boarded next week they needed bordetella shots so might as well push it up a month. I arrived a few minutes early due to the McDonalds near me under reconstruction putting off my iced coffee run until afterwards. As we pulled up I saw the waiting room free of anyone and said a little pray that they will get into their exam room before one shows up. Of course Maggie had to sit right by the front door with a full panic look hoping someone will take pity on her and let her out. Meanwhile Charlie took his place on the bench next to me looking out the window for someone to bark at.
We got called into the exam room without another animal making an appearance. First stop the dreaded scale. Thank GOD my dogs get right on and sit and I don't have to get anywhere near stepping on that thing. To my surprise Charlie LOST 2 pounds since his July visit (rabies shots and a manicure). But as usual Maggie gained Charlie's 2 pounds, now I know where they went. So this means Charlie will continue to stay on his weight management diet and Maggie will be on a half senior dog food/ half green bean diet for filler. Hopefully this will keep her full enough to stay away from Charlie's food as he doesn't seem to always feel the need to eat everyday.
The rest of the appointment went well and quickly. They took Maggie and Charlie in the backroom for drawing blood and getting their temperature (as that isn't an easy task and they can do whatever they need to out of my presence to do so).
They found a little bump on Maggie which I'm to keep an eye on, but it's been there for a while now and hasn't seemed to grow at all. Just old dog bumps. She is also due for a teeth cleaning but that will have to wait until I have the $350 to do so. Charlie got a clean bill of health and as we went back to the waiting room there was another dog sitting by the door hoping for an escape. Both Charlie and Maggie smelled hello as they quickly got put into the car while I paid the bill.
Overall a very successful and expensive trip to the vet. Hopefully they will be all good the boarders next week as this is the first time in 3 years they won't be spending their spa time at Grandma's house.