Warning:  Photo heavy post ahead!

I was 11 years old the first time I set foot on US soil.  Before moving to Austin, I’ve been to California five times and all five visits have been quite predictable: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Vegas, outlet shopping.  That’s why during our California vacation in July, I was thrilled to find out that we will be whisked away to  Mammoth and Yosemite, places we’ve never been to.

The 5-hour drive to Mammoth was well worth it.  The view was just fantastic!

I sat between Abby and her 14-month old cousin Maddie on the 3rd row of my aunt and uncle’s van.  Abby and Maddie were such troopers.  5-hours is not a joke for kids on-the-go!  I posted backseat photos of Abby and me HERE.

We stayed at the posh Westin Monache.  It was a welcome change from our usual Hampton Inn.  Hee hee. :D

We were greeted by the nice cool mountain breeze.  I regretted not bringing a sweater.  You have to understand, we came from Texas and bringing a sweater was short of unthinkable. :D

My cousin booked a 2-bedroom suite.  I could have sworn that my jaw dropped the moment I got a glimpse of our accommodations.  There was a cozy living room with fireplace, a dining room that seats 6, a kitchen with fridge, microwave, oven and dishwasher.

We were supposed to only spend one night at the Westin Monache, but our gracious hosts changed their minds when they saw how beautiful our accommodations turned out to be.

In-house coffee, might I add, is Starbucks.  Coffee was decaf but I couldn’t care less.  Hee hee.

Hubby, Abby and I were assigned the master suite.  We protested of course, but we were ignored.

Every room has a tv which could have easily fit inside a suitcase.  Not that they are small but because they are flat. :D

I love a beautiful, spacious and spotless bathroom. :)

The master bathroom could have been another room.  It was huge!

The view from the two balconies and from all the windows is just breathtaking.  Mammoth is a favorite winter destination.  It was the first time our relatives went up to Mammoth during summer and they are not used to seeing the place without snow. :D  But you can see that there’s still a teeny weeny bit of snow up the mountains.

Here’s another pic taken from the balcony of the master bedroom.

We had a view of the pools, too!

The next day, before heading off to Yosemite for some sightseeing, we had a filling breakfast at The Stove first.  I posted all the yummy food pics HERE.

Hubby and Abby, Maddie and my cousin, Ate Lissa

Tito Ed, Tita Baby, Abby and Me

Everywhere you look, there are pine trees and mountains.  It kinda makes one want to break into song…

…the hills are alive, with the sound of music…

Come winter time, these gondolas will be very busy.  In summer, there’s a bit of eeriness to this place.  Hee hee.

Next, I will have you join us at Yosemite. ;)  Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the amazing sights! :D