Yosemite Merced River - July 4th

Cool dip in the river
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This late afternoon we loaded up the truck with all the essential river gear and headed up the Merced River that flows through the Yosemite Valley.  We brought our kayak but didn't ned it as we all enjoyed a summer swim in the river rapids.  Estephan and Calista hunted and captured tadpoles and were very proud of their accomplishment until the Park Ranger came and educated us that they were a rare breed of Limestone Salamanders that only reside in the Bear Creek run-off.  Ojos swam the rapids and played along the shore as I tried to fish but everytime I would cast, Ojos would cheerfully chase after my spinner.  So fishing was a bust, I can always blame it on the dog.  We then B-B-qued Chicken and Potatos on my toolbox grill and ended up staying on the river far longer than expected.  Well tommorrow is a nother day of travel as we'll head down to LA to drop off cousin Eddie and continue to visit all the family Zonies in Phoenix.