7 days, 3 destinations and one family in a mini-van.

This describes my recent family trip to California.

I've always wanted to travel in northern California. I dreamt of the high alpine mountains, great hiking, vast forests, a laid-back vibe and ultimate appreciation for nature that exists in that part of the country.

We decided to take on some of the highlights of Northern Cali and had a full, (and very detailed, thanks to my Dad) itinerary for our 7 days together.

First stop was Lake Tahoe. Majestic clear blue waters. Cold. Surrounded by mountains. It was peaceful, beautiful, and a relaxing hiatus from busy Chicago.

We took a lift up to the top of Squaw Valley and walked around their ski resort. It was incredible that in a place that felt so warm, the snow still capped the peaks and streams stung with winter's cold.

Emerald Bay and Emerald Castle

We drove from north to south Tahoe and kept stopping to admire breathtaking views. Each curving bend opened up to a new view point of the lake and surroundings.

Our favorite activity in Tahoe, besides appreciating the views, was rafting on the Truckee River. While it was soft and lazy most of the time, we did hit a few bumps and almost lost my sister and my dad on a rough patch. There was no better way to spend a hot afternoon than gliding through the cool water with some PB&Js and cold beers.

A relatively calm part of our rafting experience.

One thing become evident throughout our travels in California; and that was that everyone appreciated the simplicity of life. People came to sit and enjoy nature, the way it was created and intended to be. The activities focused on being present and experiencing the natural environment the way it was.

Back in mini-van, our next stop was Yosemite National Park. Surprisingly, I had no idea what to expect at Yosemite. Part of it was not wanting to have high expectations of the park, but the other part was truly not being aware what this area had in store.

Tuolomne Meadows

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

We did several nice hikes around the area and drove through the Taiga Pass, which is usually closed 9 months out of the year, and into the Valley. At any point throughout the day, the views changed giving contrasting images of the sites. We didn't get to do as much hiking as I would have liked, but we got to see quite a lot in our two days here. 

El Capitan

Tunnel View in the early morning

Merced River

My sisters and I enjoying drinks and the scenery at Ahwahnee Hotel. 

I was in awe to be surrounded by giant cliffs, roaring falls and miles upon miles of untampered forest. You just don't get this view or atmosphere living in the Midwest. It made me jealous of Northern Californians who get to live in that surrounding every day.

Our third and final stop was San Francisco.  A small, yet fascinating city packed with culture and history. 

Coming from a huge city like Chicago, with all it's diverse neighborhoods, San Francisco, at first, was underwhelming. I was expecting a city much larger than what we arrived in. However once we started exploring the area, I saw the beauty and interesting details that make San Francisco special and unique.

Riding the touristy but classic cable cars.

First was the different forms of transportation for a small city. Sure, the cable cars have become a tourist attraction. But what I didn't realize was how these cable cars, along with other "antique" buses are still widely used to this day. The cable cars, along vintage trolly cars collected from around the world, are still a viable form of transportation for commuters, locals and tourists alike. Also, the feel walking through San Francisco is one of preservation from an earlier time. It acknowledged the old and embraced the new.

The other special feel about San Francisco was that, for being a smaller city, it truly flaunted the different cultures living in that area. In a 30 minute walk, you go through Chinatown, an Italian village, Korea Town, Japan town, Fisherman's Wharf, an upscale Union Square, and a busy industrial district. The food was incredible and each neighborhood featured its own specialty.

Muir Woods

Outside the Cliff House

Considering that in 7 days, we traveled in three areas within 4-6 hours of each other and every location was all together different in comparison with the others, shows the diversity that exists in California. I mean, we only went to three..THREE places. You can drive for several hours in the Midwest and think you were still in the same place. California's lush colors, soothing sounds, fresh natural smells and drastic heights leave the Midwest with much to be desired.  I believe this trip was the first of many to that part of the country in an escape from the bland fields of the Midwest.