Chocolates

Life is like a box of chocolates. Forrest Gump knew it. And that is exactly our experience here. Several times we were searching for the perfect campground (perfect means close to rivers, lakes, away from streets), however every time we did that we ended up in an average or below average one. And we searched for hours - what a waste of time.

On the contrary, when we were not expecting too much. We were only looking for one for one night. We found THE perfect one. That is what happened to our way to Yosemite National Park. This nationalpark in the USA has a high number of visitors. Therefore, we were expecting to camp on an average nationalpark campground, next to your neighbours, having the tent next to the road. This would not matter at all unless you are in Yosemite.

However, this is not what happened. The road which we wanted to take to Yosemite was closed due to fire. Thus we drove the 2 hour detour to the next entrance. In the visitor center 30 miles away from the entrance the ranger told us that the campgrounds were full as there was also a landslip and they had to close campgrounds. We were recommended to stay at an RV campground (not really charming spots) next to the nationalpark. Well, we could have lived with it. However, on our way to the RV campground we saw a little sign to an unknown recreation area called Merced Wild and Scenic River and a sign for primitive campgrounds. So we turned into the dirt road, drove along the river and found the most beautiful campground of our trip. Maybe of all our US trips so far. This spot was away from the road, next to the beautiful Merced River. We installed our hammock so we had a fantastic view to the river and could listen to the sound of the river. Moreover, we had a wonderful spots to swim in. So we could take a 'shower', long swims and dive into the water. What a dream!

Of course we stayed there for several nights - in total 5 days. We drove into the overcrowded nationalpark knowing that we end up in our comfortable spot on the river... J