Category: General

Exiting The Tunnel

This was my first time to Yosemite and Bethany suggested she drive on the way in. I knew there would be things she wanted me to see but I was not expecting the view immediately after the tunnel. Yosemite Valley opens up to you and invites you to explore its beauty.

First Valley Views

On our way to Curry Village we stopped multiple times to take in the sights. It’s hard to show in photographs what the valley actually looks like. Everywhere you look there is something to see. The mountains surrounding the valley force you to look up just to see their tops. The photographs and videos I’d seen did not prepare me for the in person view.

Happy Isles

Our first morning in Yosemite saw us venture out to Happy Isles. The record setting, weeks long heat wave had reduced a normally roaring river to a trickling stream. Bethany explained she had never seen the river so calm and empty. I found the stillness beautiful and inviting and I couldn’t help but put my feet into the refreshing water.

Swimming In The Shadow Of El Capitan

We rented bikes to ride the path around the valley floor. Our companions invited us to go swimming near El Capitan. We made the six mile journey as the sun beat down on us with 100 degree heat. The road to our swimming destination offered little shade. The river on the other hand cooled us quickly. The water was so clear it was almost tempting to drink from it. Having cooled down we made the return trip to Curry Village, exploring the paths we found along the way.

Glacier Point

Not content with wasting a single hour on our first full day we continued our adventures into the sunset hours. We drove for an hour to Glacier Point, a vista overlooking part of the valley and offering a breathtaking view of Half Dome. The hour drive put us just a few miles away from where we started but we gained a couple thousand feet in elevation. Half Dome glowed shades of pink and red in the sunset.

Mist Trail and Mirror Lake

We arose at 7:30 am to make our way to Mist Trail, a winding, steep trail that promised close up views of two waterfalls. This trail quite literally left me breathless. The steep incline punished the legs but rewarded your hard work with unique views of the area. The waterfalls were almost dry, I joked that it looked as if someone was running a hose over the rocks. We decided to stop at the bridge and turn back towards the trail to Mirror Lake.

The trail to Mirror Lake looked like something out of Lord Of The Rings. Way off to our left we heard a rhythmic, deep, guttural sound from an animal we could not see or identify. Mirror Lake was completely dry but still beautiful. We sat in the shadow of Half Dome and ate breakfast and rested.

After some time we made our way back to Curry Village. It was 10:00 am and we had already hiked seven miles.

Swimming With Deer

Our morning hike had left us exhausted. The sun beat down directly on our tent and refused to let us sleep. What could we do to battle the heat? Go swimming!

We swam in the river at Swinging Bridge. At one point a family of deer decided to join us nearby. I went to sit on the beach in the hopes I could get a clearer shot. I was elated when the family of deer approached within 20 feet of me.

Meadow Views For Our Final Sunset

Our time in Yosemite was coming to an end. For our final sunset we sat in a meadow and soaked in the view of Half Dome one last time. A couple deer kept us company as we contemplated our adventure so far and dreaded our return home.

Usually on my last day of vacation I am ready to be home, but this was not the case this time. I felt a sadness that everything was coming to a close. Coronavirus had forced us to separate from the world and this trip reminded us of what the world was like before the pandemic.

Bone Dry Yosemite Falls

As we left the park we decided to take in one last sight: Yosemite Falls. We hiked the short trail to the falls only to find there were no falls. The area was bone dry, probably because the record setting heat wave had melted any remaining snow. An area full of flowing water and mists was nothing more than rocks. Being my first time I still found it beautiful.

As we left Yosemite and made our way through the mountains we were greeted with a horrible omen. The area had filled with smoke from the newly started Creek Fire. It was a harsh reality to face so quickly after our escape to paradise.

I am forever grateful to Bethany for this trip and I can’t wait to go back.

Bethany and I began our week of wilderness exploration by camping in Kings Canyon National Park at Sunset Campground. This leg of the journey would see us here for four days and three nights. I had never been to this park so I was very excited to find its treasures.

Arrival at Sunset Campground

We arrived in the late afternoon after a four and a half hour drive. Only a few hours of sunlight remained so we quickly set up camp and ran to the local store for some firewood. Climbing to a hilltop in the campground gave us our first vista to enjoy. An atmosphere of peace surrounded me and yet an excitement for exploration also kept me company.

Hiking to General Grant

Our first full day in Kings Canyon and we decided to hike to General Grant, The Nation’s Christmas Tree. The hike was relatively easy, just a couple miles to the grove. Along the way we found giant, fallen redwoods we could climb on, and even climb through. Even the smallest trees towered above us as we made our way through the woods.

Exploring Sequoia National Park

Our campsite was an hour away from Sequoia National Park and I secretly hoped we would find the time to explore it. I had never been and we were a mere 27 miles away. After our hike through the Grant Grove we realized we still had plenty of energy and Bethany suggested we make the drive.

General Grant had already welcomed us and it only seemed natural to assume General Sherman would give us the same warm treatment. A short, paved path led us down to his home. Every tree was bigger than the last and still General Sherman was the biggest of them all, towering so high it was hard to even get him in frame for a photo.

I knew there was a tree you could drive through and we searched it out in the car. Eventually we found it and also stumbled upon the Auto Log, an old, fallen tree that visitors used to park their cars on. Our final destination for the day was a huge meadow. Here we were warned of a bear by a couple running away from where they had seen it. This would be our closest encounter the entire trip. Not one bear would cross our path.

Swimming and Hiking at Hume Lake

We had hoped for cooler weather in the mountains but Mother Nature had other plans for us. The days reached into the 90s. Hume Lake would provide us relief from the heat. Without an exact plan we made the 30 minute drive to the lake.

After exploring for a bit we settled on Sandy Cove. There is a large beach with plenty of space for us to social distance and enjoy the sun and water. The cool water felt nice against the high heat of the day.

After swimming we decided to explore a nearby bridge. We are both fans of picturesque spans. Signage had told us that there was a hike around the entire perimeter of the lake. We encircled the entire area and were greeted with gorgeous views and constantly changing landscape. Hume Lake was created as a log flume and has a very unique dam on the end.

Ending our lap around the water was a series of large, flat rocks with water running through the middle. A perfect place to sit and enjoy the sunset.

Final Evening at Sunset Campground

Our final sunset at Sunset Campground. Nearby fires had been filling the area with smoke and this evening was spectacularly orange.

Tomorrow would see us depart for Yosemite.