Grimy Relaxation

July 9

We rolled out of bed already feeling grimy from the layers of bug spray applied the night before. We knew it would only get worse since it was already quite toasty out and that meant lots of sunblock (especially for B who already had the pinkest nose despite her attempts to prevent it). We rolled out nice and early and set out for a full day at Yosemite National Park.

Because the trails in Yosemite are more centralized than Yellowstone's, we were directed to park in a lot near the Visitor's Center in the middle of the park. From there we were asked to ride the hybrid shuttle busses that carried tourists through the one way roads to each location throughout this smaller park. When we arrived at the Visitor's Center, none of us were entirely sire what to do first so we explored the exhibits and gift shop (where C got her John Muir fix), and spoke with a few rangers about hikes with good scenery - of course where could you really go wrong in this place? After coming to a conclusion that a relaxing hike, however long, would be nice, we got onto the "E Bus" and headed for El Capitan, Yosemite's famous rock climbing feat.

We really couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day in this beautiful park. We got off at our "El Cap" stop, took a few pics of the climbers scaling the sheer rock face, and headed off through the woods to explore. We walked along a trail that led us toward Glacier Point and gave us some beautiful views of Yosemite Falls through the trees. It was a perfect 3.5 mile trek through the woods and after snacking a bit in the shade for lunch, we hopped the bus back to the Visitor's Center for our next adventure of the day.

From the Center, we walked Lower Yosemite Falls, a much different trail than the one we just finished. These paths were paved for wheelchair access leading directly to the base of the lower falls. It was incredible to hear the roar of the water and feel the spray from the overlook provided. The majesty and mesmerizing power of a waterfall is something none of us fully understand but we all know we appreciate.

After staring into the falling water for a few minutes, we moved down into the river bed to dip our feet into the cool mountain water. The river was so relaxing that not long after our shoes came off, K found herself reclining between two large rocks. B & C could only sunbathe for a little bit before being enticed to play in the water during K's nap. When sleepyhead finally arose we checked our potential sunburn, collected our things, and traipsed back to the Visitor's Center for a final time. Here we explored the Ansel Adams Gallery and walked through a replica of an Indian Village before making purchases and returning to the car.

One thing we really wanted to see before we left Yosemite were the giant Sequoia trees that made it so famous. As we passed the controlled burn again on our way out, we pulled into Toulumne Grove to see some of the oldest Sequoias in the U.S. We saw a huge stump that had a hole cut into it so that in the early days of the park, people could pay to drive through a tree. The grove was beautiful but we were beginning to dread the mile walk uphill that would get us out and back up to the parking lot. We weren't sure if we would be sore tomorrow but at least it was good practice for hilly San Fran to come.

Interesting Observations: All over Yosemite are red and yellow signs that say "speeding kills bears." Wondering the history behind these signs, we discovered that they were placed wherever a bear had recently been hit by a car on the road.

States visited: California

Yellow car count:

C – 100

B – 121

K – 127