Pinnacles

We got up early on Martin Luther King day and headed out to use our National Parks pass again. We've wanted to go to Pinnacles before, but the weather doesn't always cooperate for us.

Lots of people had the same plan for the holiday and since it took us about an hour and a half to get there, it was already very crowded when we arrived. 

We decided to walk to the caves entrance instead of waiting for the shuttle. It probably took about the same amount of time, but was lots more walking. 

It was a little warm and we had some complaining, but it was nice to see more of the actual park.

We stopped for lunch on a log.

Perry would run ahead

and come back to us. He walked at least 1.5x as far as the rest of us. I thought he'd tire out and we'd be in trouble, but he had full energy the entire day.

Jane wanted to be carried a lot, but was happy to climb every chance she got.

Especially if her brothers were doing it.

The park is so big that it didn't feel busy until we got to the main trail to the caves.

Already trying to stress me out.

The caves were dark, wet, and crowded and made me nervous trying to rush the kids along.

I didn't get pictures because I was using my phone as a flashlight and my other hand was death gripping a child's hand.

We made it through, though, and the reservoir (Bear Gulch?) was beautiful.  

I'd like to go again when it's not crowded so we can take our time and also bring headlamps.

John loves things like caves and is very patient with my apprehensions. 

The trail back to the entrance was also a cool path.

We went the wrong way for a bit and had to backtrack, which made some of the kids cranky. 

So when we made it back to the starting area, we decided to wait for the shuttle back to the parking lot. We used the bathrooms and had snacks while waiting in line and we all barely fit on the next bus.

It was a fun adventure and we slept well that night.

Perry asked if we could go back the next day.