🗓️Day 1: Embracing Nature
We woke up in the van to the soothing sounds of nature—a nearby river running nearby and birds chirping. The kids slept in, catching up on much-needed rest. After a short walk to check out the Big Sur River behind our site, we kicked off the day with bacon breakfast burritos.
Our first adventure was a hike to Pfeiffer Falls. Although the main trailhead was closed, we opted for the Valley View Trail instead. Despite a few complaints about the steeper sections, we motivated each other to keep going and push through. When we reached the falls, my daughter’s eyes lit up with excitement as she snapped photos, while my son explored the area. That exploration was cut short, however, when he suddenly needed a bathroom break—so we hustled back down the trail, rushing past a few slower moving hikers.
After lunch in the van, which consisted of tasty turkey sandwiches and fresh fruit, we drove to Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand and unique rock formations. With her camera in hand, my daughter took photos of the rocks, learning a bit more about her camera along the way. She was so proud of her best shots she got right and was eager to improve the ones that did not turn out as expected. Meanwhile, the kids stacked rocks and played in the sand as I took a quiet moment under a tree to meditate and soak up the scenery.
Later that afternoon, we moved to a new campsite and explored another stretch of the river. The kids played in the sand along the bank while I watched from a peaceful spot under the trees.
Back at the van, we played card games—Uno and War. My daughter’s competitive spirit came alive, and the game of War went on so long we never actually finished it. For dinner, we grilled hotdogs, followed by a campfire for s’mores. The kids were skeptical we could start the fire without lighter fluid, but I managed to get it going. Their faces lit up in amazement as the flames crackled, and the s’mores were a big hit—both kids declared them the best they’d ever had.
Day 2: Exploring Point Lobos
The next morning, my son woke up early as he usually does, while my daughter slept in a bit. After breakfast and another quick visit to the river, we cleaned up and left the campsite, making our way to Point Lobos to explore the tide pools. My daughter decided to skip the Dramamine she usually takes on winding drives—and she did great, proud to show she could handle the curves without getting sick.
Point Lobos was absolutely incredible! Thanks to our camping pass, we got in for free and found parking easily. We hiked over coastal rocks while the kids roamed freely, discovering sea creatures in the tide pools. My daughter captured the beauty on her camera, while my son’s eyes widened with wonder at every new discovery. Their enthusiasm was contagious overall making the experience even more memorable.
Before heading home, we stopped at a bakery in Carmel to pick up some treats—including one for Mom. The kids were troopers on the drive back, keeping themselves entertained in the back of the van. Once we got back to the Field Van shop, they even helped unload the van before we all headed home for the evening.
Overall, this trip was a fantastic opportunity to bond with my kids, and the Field Van Summit S1 made it all the more comfortable and enjoyable. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure!
