Labor Day Weekend in Graeagle

I have visited this beautiful place in the high Sierras of Northern California every summer of my life. From the time before I was born, my family vacationed here. My parents retired here. I introduced my husband to the area when we first met, and since then, we have continued the summer vacation tradition with our kids.

Some people spend their summer vacation hanging with Steven Tyler in Hawaii. Yeah, this really happened. That’s my sis, Marj, on the right, her husband, Ernie, and their boys, Colin and Colby, and of course, the lead singer from Aerosmith is smack in the middle of the group. Totally normal, right? They were on vacation in Maui and just happened to run into Mr. Tyler at The Paia Fish Market, which, according to sis, is one of the best restaurants on Maui.

When I first saw this photo I almost passed out. Then, I just couldn’t stop laughing. He just looks so at ease in the midst of my sister’s family. This is a truly lovely man. He was out dining with his own family and friends but was absolutely gracious and friendly with everyone around him. A genuinely kind and authentic guy. Steven, I’d be happy to have dinner with you in Hawaii, anytime. Call me.

Okay, back to my life.

Our trip to Graeagle was special this year because we were there just a couple of weeks before Boy #4 would be leaving for college. There is just something in the air there that demands you relax with a book on the deck.

And, play chess with Dad. Good thing Dad knows where all those pieces are allowed to move because Mom is hopeless.

Bruno took advantage of the relaxed schedule and did a lot of lounging outside in the fresh air. This is his specialty.

Our other boys had work or school and couldn’t join us so my sis, Marj, came up for a few days. I was happy to find out that we were still worthy vacation companions after her time with a rock star. I got this shot of her on our way down to the river for a swim.

This was our destination. The beautiful Feather River.

Bruno cooled his heels in the cool river as soon as we reached the water.

My brother and sister-in-law live in the area so that night we all headed over to brother Jim’s for dinner. He made us the most amazing ribs. Really, Jim’s ribs are life changing.

The following day we set out for a hike. This is the very beginning when I was full of optimism and could still breathe.

Then we started to climb.

And, climb. We were following a trail up behind a ski resort and that building that is getting very tiny as we get higher and higher, is the ski lodge.

Then we did what everyone must do when you climb to high elevations. We threw rocks off the edge.

As far as I’m concerned, hikes should end at the water’s edge…

…or with a gorgeous view. This one had both. I love these men!

That hike was not just for fun. We were earning our dinner! There are a bunch of great restaurants that we frequent regularly near Graeagle. Coyote Grill is one of them.

Okay, don’t laugh. This is the house salad that was brought out before the entree. They don’t do things small ’round these parts. They also do a mean margarita if you’re into that sort of thing. We are definitely into that sort of thing.

And, this my friends is the entree. I had the Seafood Tostadas. I’ve dreamt about them countless times since we’ve been home.

After several absolutely gorgeous days, the weather turned and we got thunder and lightening storms on our last night there. This was the view the morning we left. It was beautiful and the timing was perfect since we were on our way out.

An added note for bloggers and other workaholics. I recently purchased a JetPack Mobile Hotspot from our cell phone provider, Verizon. It allows me to connect to the internet from anywhere that we can get cell coverage. I haven’t decided whether this is a good or bad thing yet but it did allow me to get work done on the long road trip home. It worked beautifully and I know it will be a real life saver.

That was summer vacation for us this year; short but sweet. I’m already wishing I could go back!