Yosemite National Park

We interrupted our East coast driving trip to fly across the continent to join our family for a reunion near Yosemite in northern California. We spent an energizing 2 weeks with 4 young granddaughters (aged 4+, 3+ and twin 2 year-olds) and their families. Our eldest son also was determined to get us out on a hike to “one of my favorite places in the world,” “before you can’t.”

Even though we’ve been there several times with family, I’ve never featured Yosemite in a blog, so now’s the time to share some of the beauty and majesty:

The trail is Cloud’s Rest, and it started out quite well -

As we climbed higher…

… the views expanded -

I’ve hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion NP, with its really narrow section, and I think this trail compares…

… but actually has more jaw-dropping views:

That’s Yosemite Valley off to the right of the trail along the ridge, in the picture above.

We could also see Half Dome…

… and the trail of ‘ant people’ climbing up the cables -

The view looking back down the trail -

Cloud’s Rest Trail was 13+ miles with over 3,000 ft elevation gain, and included crossing a stream in bare feet at the beginning (and end). We took 7 1/2 hours, and were very glad we had recently hiked in Nepal. :)

We also visited the Valley one day with our whole crew, enjoying Bridal Veil Falls…

… from various angles and cameras -

We also admired El Capitan -

Oh! I mustn’t forget the requisite bird shot -

California Quail

A last rock formation…

… before we leave -

We helped ferry 3 of the granddaughters and their parents to Toronto and handed them off to the other set of grandparents, before returning to Halifax and our car, to continue our road trip.