Yosemite

Next, we were on to Yosemite. We arrived in the park on Monday afternoon (Memorial Day) and the place was an absolute zoo. I (Becca) went into total shock after the peace and quite in Kings Canyon. On our first day we did a quick touristy loop of the valley, stopping at Bridal Veil Falls, the visitor center, etc… We soon decided that there were too many people in the Valley, so we headed to our campground in Wawona, which was still in the park, but about a 40 min. drive south of the Valley. The campground was fabulous – nice and peaceful, and our campsite was right on the banks of a rushing river. It seemed like most people that chose to stay here were avid fishermen and came to spend a few days trout fishing in the river.

The next day we ventured back into the valley (which was much less crowded since the holiday weekend was over) and we spent the majority of the day hiking up to the top of Yosemite Falls, and then on to Yosemite Point. The hike was very, very steep (over 3000 ft elevation gain), but pretty short (only 3.7 miles to the top of the falls and another mile to Yosemite Point). I thought we did pretty well, considering this was our most challenging hike yet. The view from the top of Yosemite point was spectacular. I am a bit scared of heights, so it was a bit unnerving being so close to the edge of shear cliffs, but I stuck it out for the amazing views:

We ended the day by having a good dinner at the Wawona hotel, and went to bed very, very tired.

The next day we hiked Vernal and Nevada Falls. This was also a great hike, as you can see by the pictures. And we made a hiking friend for the day (Hi Paul!). After the hike we rented bikes and toured the valley – way better than a car tour! By the end of the day Kimbal and I were totally beat and ready for some relaxing.

Our last day in Yosemite we took a lazy raft ride down the Merced River. I paddled and Kimbal enjoyed the views. Since Kimbal does most of the driving, it was his turn to relax and look around; besides, sometimes I like being the skipper! After the raft ride we headed up towards Glacier Point, where we hiked to the Fissures and Taft Point, and then enjoyed the scenery, dinner, and a nice sunset at Glacier Point.

The next morning (Friday), we rose early and headed out of Yosemite over Tioga Pass, which was also beautiful. We didn’t stop much though, because the mosquitoes were out in full force in this part of the park.

Next stop: Death Valley and then Las Vegas for some pampering!