A Perfect Independence

image courtesy of Pottery Barn

Doesnt this look like the perfect way to celebrate our Independence?!

{actually it would be perfect if both Coronas were in my cupholder!}

I have been busy planning our annual 4th of July family trip to Bass Lake.

It is drop-dead gorgeous there.

Let me give you a teaser:

Nestled in the Sierrra National Forest

surrounded by massive pine trees

fresh water fed by natural rivers, creeks and streams

20 minutes to Yosemite National Park

Here is a link to a quaint write up -

http://www.viamagazine.com/weekenders/basslake99.asp

My family has been going to this magical place ever since I was a little girl.

I can still remember the ride up.....

Winding roads

no air conditioning

the endless "are we there yet's

intoxicating smell of pine trees

clean fresh air

fighting in the car with my four brothers

the anticipation of bubble gum ice cream from Miller's Landing

(bright blue ice cream with bubble gum balls-every parents worst nightmare!)

It is smack dab in the geological center of California

{North Fork, Calif}

But, what I really wanted to share was

our favorite childhood memory of the lake:

 

{image courtesy of moi}

Every 4th

before sunset......

All of the lake's inhabitants

get on their boats that have been

decorated in the

red white and blue 

loaded up with  ice chests

packed to the hilt with snacks,

excited children,

and giddy adults

eager with anticipation of the fireworks show.

And let me tell you, they NEVER disappoint.

There is NOTHING ....

absolutely NOTHING

that compares

to the sights and sounds of

this annual tradition.

the smell of pine and sulfur

the sounds of boat horns and laughter

the booming echo coming off the mountains

(it sounds like cannons!)

{photo courtesy of basslake.com}

And let me tell you the only thing better than these pictures.....

Is spending time with my family

creating amazing memories

that hopefully...

one day.....

my children will experience

with their own families.

{image courtesy of Pottery Barn}