The dictionary defines the word “grandiose” as follows: “Grand in an imposing or impressive way.” A perfect description for many of our California adventures and experiences. And here’s why…

Los Angeles was grandiose because of the shear size of this city – and the overwhelming traffic. Disneyland was grandiose, just for what it is: It’s huge, immaculate and a lot of fun. The Central Valley earns the grandiose status because of the enormous orchards and dairy farms (aka mass production). The sequoia trees are the world’s largest single trees and largest living thing by volume – there’s the grandioseness again. Kings Canyon National Park impressed with some beautiful nature. And Yosemite blessed us with multiple breathtaking views, epic hikes, exciting wildlife and wonderful fellow campers. Glass Beach on the coast of Northern California was abundant with colourful sea glass, while Agate Beach was covered in semi-precious stones. And last but not least, some more giant trees: The Redwoods.

Needless to say that our roadtrip through California was nothing short of  “grandiose”.

Disneyland

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Sequoia National Park

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Kings Canyon National Park

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Yosemite National Park

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Avenue of the Giants

Some of our highlights:

Sequoia National Park

• Looking up at and hugging the majestic Sequoia trees on our favourite trail: Big Trees Trail.
• John’s first encounter with a black bear.
• Watching the sun go down from Beattle Rock.

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Kings Canyon National Park

• Taking in the impressive views while driving into the canyon.
• Strolling around the lush green Zumstein meadow.
• Chilling out on the campground (Sentinel campground), cooking dinner on our campfire while wild deer came to visit.

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Yosemite National Park

• The first glimpse of the Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel View Point – wow!
• Queuing for a site on one of the fully-booked NP campgrounds. Quite the spectacle!
• Camping in the woods.
• Making new friends. So happy we met you, Sarah, Sean, Ethan, Porter, Monica, Jason, Harley and Ivy.
• Getting soaked on the Vernal Falls trail.
• John’s early morning solo hike to the Eagle Point.
• We all got to meet several black bears. And John a bobcat. So cool.

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And…

• A 15-hour-marathon-Disneyland-session.
• The big trees on the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park: We enjoyed the hikes on Founders Grove Loop Trail and Big Trees Loop Trail (Rockefeller Redwood Forest) a lot.
• Looking for semi-precious stones on Agate Beach – and collecting the prettiest ones, of course.
• The idyllic campgrounds in the National and State Parks we visited.
• Max, the camper van.