Yosemite

*Sorry in advance for the picture overload and many notes, but I have the need to document everything and so it cannot be helped.* our trip started with a stop in Las Vegas. Not only was this a desirable stop to break up the 14 hour drive to Yosemite, but it is also home to our wonderful Skouson friends. There’s always something going on at the Skouson home. This time we were entertained by their new parrot, Pickles, who was quite the character. We still aren’t sure how Henry felt about him.

We stayed with them for a couple of nights before heading on to Yosemite.

Its hard to describe Yosemite in words. simply put it is unbelievably beautiful. we both agreed it was one of the most amazing places we had ever been and we hope to go back.

Day 1- We got our first look at Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View. So pretty it was unreal.

After taking some pictures we drove around the valley, we did this a lot, everywhere you look there’s something amazing to see. We stopped for some lunch by the river before making our way over to the visitors center. We browsed around the Ansel Adams Gallery (exciting for me especially since I did a project on him for a Humanities class), then took a short walk to the base of Yosemite Falls.

(big tree. notice Henry’s “rock on” fist pump. awesome. this tree is dated back to 325 AD.)

 

(Yosemite Falls)

Day 2- We spent the morning in Mariposa Groves, where the BIG trees live. since we forgot our camera that morning all our pictures are courtesy of Chris.

(The Fallen Monarch)

(this day was cold. and wet.) Note for futures trips, the stroller wasn’t the smartest idea. Our little Maclaren was pretty tough through this hike and so was Henry. With the cold, the rain, and the off-roading we were surprised that both the stroller and Henry did so well. but a front carrier or a backpack would have made a lot more sense. we got quite a lot of stares carrying the stroller up some of the rougher parts of the trail.

(The Grizzly Giant)

(Wawona Tunnel Tree)

(Faithful Couple. Two trees that grew together, cute.)

Mariposa Groves left us cold, wet and with a tired baby. After a little break at the cabin we drove up to Glacier Point, where you can get one of the best views of the Yosemite Valley. there was a lot of filming and picture taking.

Day 3- we started our day by stopping at El Capitan to watch the climbers.

El Capitan is amazing. It’s the largest piece of solid granite in the world, and I am so impressed by those who are skilled enough to climb it. The climb to the top takes more than one day so the climbers will pitch their tents against the wall for the night. I can safely say I wont be doing that anytime soon. or ever.

After El Capitan we went on a hike to Vernal Falls. We started out the hike like this:

the hike was beautiful:

our goal was to make it to the top of Vernal Falls, but our out of shape bodies and sleepy/hungry baby made it so we only made it to the base. just another reason to go back I guess. and so we ended our hike like this:

while henry slept in the car we went to see more of the sights.

whew. quite a post. Yosemite was heavenly. We were sad to leave, and felt like there was so much left still to see. We are already dreaming about going back.

We left Yosemite for Lake Tahoe where we decided to take a surprise side trip to San Francisco! but that is for another post.