My First Camping Trip

Though I don't remember exactly, I was probably six when we made a wonderful camping trip to Yosemite National Park.We camped in a spot like this right next to the river. 

My father had constructed a trailer of wood and canvas that folded flat, but when we reached the campground it opened up to be a tent-like, with a bed on either side, and a pullout kitchen. He was way before his time. As far as I can remember, that's the only time we used it.

My sister was small enough, around one-year-old, that she spent a lot of time in a play pen.

My folk's best friends, the Timmons, camped nearby in a regular tent. They had a daughter my age and a son a bit older than my sister. 

Yosemite was much different way back then. Deer roamed around everywhere. Every night they had a fire fall--yes, fire was thrown off one of the higher cliffs. In the evening you could visit the dump and watch bears eating the garbage.

Every evening you could join one of the rangers telling great stories about Yosemite.

Swimming was great in the river. 

There was some kind of day care and I know my folks and the Timmons deposited us children there a few times. Probably so they could do some sight-seeing of the many falls. I know there was plenty to do for kids, including a train ride. 

My dad was always the cook on our camping trips--I don't remember what his menus were back then.

And being six, I really don't remember much more about this great trip to Yosemite, but this was the beginning of many more camping adventures.  I'm going to continue writing about some of them.

Marilyn