Probably both...definitely both.
Well, here goes another attempt to get you closer to being caught up to what we are doing and where we have been. After all, this blog is for you. Sure, it's a great way for Amanda and I to look back on the ridiculous things we have done, but ultimately it is a way for you to feel like you are riding along with us.
When we left you last, we were heading to Yosemite from Sacramento, a trip we could not have planned any better if we tried. First, we had unseasonably beautiful weather for the duration of our time there. Normally most roads and camp sites are closed by early November due to bad storms and heavy snowfall. However, we saw nothing but clear skies, meaning all areas of the park were accessible. Also, at this time of year, there aren't as many visitors, so we didn't have to fight through crowds to see the magnificent sights present in this amazing National Park. It was perfect.
Upon arrival to the park, we headed to the visitor center in Yosemite Valley. In a stunning turn of events, we were unexpectedly greeted by none other than Shelton Johnson. For those of you who don't know him, he is a park ranger extraordinaire and one of the stars of Ken Burns' documentary on the U.S. National Parks. We were enthralled with this documentary and particularly enjoyed Shelton's commentary. He is so passionate about the National Park System. It was an honor to speak one-on-one with him and we took all of his advice to heart. If you get a chance, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is available to watch on Netflix and is well worth the investment of time.
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| Shelton Johnson: Rock star |
After talking to Shelton, we were amped up and ready to attack Yosemite. We knew we only had 2 days to explore and wanted to make the most of it. After we set up camp, we hiked to Columbia Point, which gave us a great view of Yosemite Valley.
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| Overlooking Yosemite Valley |
When we awoke the next morning, we knew we had to hustle because it would be a busy day. First we traveled north to Tuolumne Meadows for a spectacular hike to Cathedral Lake. We encountered various terrains, including mud, snow, and boulder fields along this hike, but once we reached the lake, we knew why this is one of the most scenic areas of the whole park.
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| Sometimes stacked rocks were your only trail markers |
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| The fruits of our hiking labors |
After finishing this hike, we made the long drive south to Glacier Point. As Shelton told us, "It is against the law to come to Yosemite and not go to Glacier Point." It did not disappoint. Glacier Point, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop, offers spectacular views of the majestic Yosemite Falls (a 2,425 foot waterfall) and rock formations such as Half Dome. If you can't appreciate the absolute beauty of nature from this viewpoint, there is something seriously wrong with you. It has to be one of the most breathtaking places on earth.
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| This is why you come to Yosemite |
After the sun had set on Glacier Point, we headed back to our camp site to reflect on the whirlwind tour of Oregon, the Redwood Forest, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Yosemite that we had just undertaken. Our only regret was that we didn't have more time to spend in each place. Once again though, our timing was impeccable. As we packed up the car and headed out of Yosemite, the storm clouds which would bring the first major snowfall, and subsequent closing of large areas of the park, began rolling in.
We successfully avoided the snow, only to return to the relentless rains of Aberdeen WA. Honestly, it rains just about every day. But don't worry, it hasn't stopped us from continuing our adventures. Our next post, coming soon, should get you up to speed on all of our rain (and snow) laden escapades. That should also put my crazed, blog-centric mind at peace. I can't wait!
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