A birthday excursion to Idyllwild—a teeny little city nestled in the San Jacinto mountains. We were camping about half an hour down a non-road from the city, up, up, up the mountains in a bouldery little campground. Ginger (our car) lost part of her bumper due to the treacherous climb up. But it was all worth it, as I was overwhelmed by the delight of it all. It was short, but it was good.
We waded into Lake Hemet (despite firm signs that suggested we ought not to), we hiked up the boulders and mountain to experience some incredible views, we  slept among pines whose scent recalled to me so much of my homeland (Canada), we cooked for hours over our campfire, we ignored cell phones and digital things, we wandered through the foresty bits of pinecones and logs, and we even were presented with a totally awesome carrotcake birthday cake, baked by Erynne. Yup, it was an all-around great little adventure. Let’s do another one this month!
Yay! I’m always up for more camping…provided I’m not buried in midterms. Which I currently (unfortunately, woefully, dreadfully) am.
You forgot to mention that Shoebox (aka my car) also got not one but ALL of the widgets holding the bumper onto its face knocked out by that same ditch. I wouldn’t have even known except that my sister’s boyfriend happened to notice the bumper hanging haphazardly and popped the hood to take a look. That could’ve been tragic.
I can’t wait to explore places like these during my travels in california :]
wow. yes. yes. and yes. i love idlywild area… we’ve only been up to Bolder Basin campground and it.was.incredible.
by the way, lovely blog!
I think your photos are absolutely beautiful! I was just wondering what kind of camera you used and if you used any special filter for your outdoor photos?
Thanks so much! I used a Canon 5D Mark II with a 35mm 1.4 lens or a 135mm 2.0 lens for all of these camping photos. No filters or anything additional.
Your photos make me feel like I was there! Beautiful captures!
Thanks so much, Laura!
Love these, and camping. You captured it all!!
<3 <3 <3
I need to go! These are great. I love camping.
Thanks, Pauline!
You make me want to give camping a try! The photo of the man looking at that giant rock is really interesting! Great shot.
No, for real camping is the bestest! You should totally!
I love that car window shot, totally reminds me of road trip adventures.
Moments from long ago, thanks Ashley!
Nailed it! In all kinds of lighting! You are amazing!
You are too kind, thank you!
My favorite, the moss climbing up the tree. So cool!