It’s been kind of quiet around here lately, but that’s because I’ve been busy getting ready for my trip. This weekend we’re at Yosemite National Park. We waited an hour just to get in to the park, then we found out the valley was so crowded that it was closed off. We knew what the Griswalds felt like when they found out that Wally World was closed. Luckily, we didn’t have to get too nutty about it.
How can you feel down when you have views like this? I haven’t been to Yosemite in almost 10 years, and I fell in love with it all over again. The minute you get your first glimpse of that glacier-cut valley, your jaw drops. We came to Yosemite in May, to catch the waterfalls at their peak. We are not disappointed. I’ll be spending the rest of my weekend snapping away photo after photo in a feeble attempt to capture the beauty of it all.
Sigh. Yosemite. Its almost been a year yet I think about the park all the time. I watched a show about climbing Half Dome the other day. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to do it. I look forward to many pictures so I can live vicariously through you. Even when its insanely crowded (I have done Memorial Day at Yosemite. Insanity) its still breathtaking.
Phew, we’re back and we survived. @Sharlene, maybe you could have offered me some tips on surviving the insanity part of the trip. But even so, I can’t wait to go back. Beauty will do that to you.
stay out of the valley! go during winter! non-peak! mid-week! visit hetch hetchy! Tuoloumne! anything! Yosemite, Sierras — is breathtaking, thus drawing the hordes and painters, photographers. And rightly so. But the hordes = long lines, traffic, all things antithetical to stunning natural beauty eh? well, i guess, necessary though. hordes also = $$ for maintenance, upkeep for visitors. those cool photos of those monoliths still make me miss it.
Traditionally we used to visit Yosemite in fall, but I’ve always wanted to make another visit in spring. Looks like there is good reason. First time I viewed the Valley, I needed a handkerchief to dab my eyes, I swear!
I feel like I’m missing the point of Yosemite! I’ve been numerous times, but have never (with the exception of one short winter excursion to Badger Pass for x-country skiing) gotten off the valley floor.
I’m trying yet again this summer, with my kids this time. I know Yosemite must be amazing, but I can never get my mind around the hassle.