In January, Pinnacles National Monument became a national park.   This last weekend, we visited it for the first time and brought the Jergensens with us.  We snuck out of work a little early and were to our campsite by 6pm. It was a beautiful (although chilly) evening and we took advantage of the longer days to cook up a delicious meal.  One of the perks of car camping is just how good you can eat.  We had three burners going:  one for grilled veggies, one for pasta and one for the camp oven to heat up garlic bread (and then brownies later).  We were literally happy campers. :)

After a few card games, we turned in for the night.  After breakfast and breaking down camp, we went to the Old Pinnacles trailhead where we snagged the last of the parking spots.  We chose to hike the High Peaks Trail up to the summit and then back down the opposite side of the park and return via the Balconies Cave.  All told it wasn't more than eight miles, but with 10 month-old twins, it was ambitious.  The Jergensens and their boys were troopers and we had a great time.  The highlight of the hike for me was the California Condors.  They were everywhere.