Sierra Nevadas

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."-John Muir

Growing up, my grandparents had a cabin in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They had designed the house to hold their family (there are a lot of us).  My cousins, aunts, and uncles would all head up a few times a year and I can honestly say that those were some of my favorite memories. I'll never forget the time my cousins and I went into the drained lake and got covered in mud (wearing our new back to school clothes) and my aunts made us walk back to the house in our underwear. My memories of my grandpa making all of us Mickey Mouse waffles and air popped popcorn in a paper bag are now some of my most treasured memories. I learned to ski, hike, and be astounded by the beauty of nature at that cabin.

So when my grandparents decided they no longer wanted the responsibility of a second home, I begged my parents to buy it from them. Luckily, my dad seemed to harbor the same nostalgia I did, and he bought the house. Everyone in our family still uses the place, and whenever I make it home I try to get in a trip.

A few weeks ago, I flew back to California and my first day home, my parents and I drove up to the cabin. Happily enough, my best friends family also has a place a mile from ours and they decided to join us. It was a quick trip, but it was perfect. We wine tasted and went hiking in some of the most gorgeous places. Even with the drought, the Sierras were vibrant with life.

Gorgeous flower at my parents house. 

Upon arrival at our cabin, we promptly headed into town for lunch. The restaurant we frequent serves one of my favorite drinks of all time-The Florsecco. It is basically prosecco and hibiscus (complete with a hibiscus flower). It is the perfect lunch drink-it isn't to heavy, it's totally refreshing, and it tastes exactly like a summer day. I need to try and replicate it at home.

After having lunch, we met up with my best friend and her mom. We spent the rest of the day wine tasting at the numerous wineries in the area. I have got to admit-I may have overindulged…

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 Wine tasting with your family, best friend, and dog in the most perfect weather imaginable is not a bad way to spend a day.

The next day we embarked on one of my dad's favorite hikes. He used to backpack quite a bit and he seems to always have great spots for us to go.  This is one of the best hikes-it's kind of off the beaten track so it is rarely crowded and there are a ton of lakes along the way- which provide great scenic overlooks and great swimming holes for the dogs.

My dog (the golden) and my best friends black lab became close friends on their adventuring.

Seriously though, how cute is Brody? He is the most photogenic dog I have ever had.

I am so blessed to be able to come to a place like this with my family. The quote at the start of this post is a John Muir quote about the Sierras. Mr. Muir was right-there is something magical about the area, and I couldn't be happier that I get to visit from time to time...

Cheers XX