This was a fun trip to meet some crazy family members that wanted to hike rim to rim in the Grand Canyon.  We saw them off at the North rim and met them the next day at the south rim.  They all made it with no major problems.  Every time we visit here I am in awe just staring out at the big ditch.

This is the first time we stopped at the north rim of the GC.  A very different view and way less crowded.

On to Joshua Tree National Park.  We were pleasantly surprised by the desert beauty.  Fall was a good time to visit, don't think I'd want to be here in August.

After a visit with our son in the LA area, we wandered up the coast to visit old friends in Lompoc then on to find Pinnacles National Park.  This is a spot of land in the middle of California.  It's not particularly unique and I'm not sure how it got NP status.  That being said, its nice to preserve untouched land in the heavily populated state. 

Lets see if we can get a camp spot in Yosemite...… No way without reservations.  Oh well a drive through will have to do for this year.  Better planning next time.