Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Day 1:

Today was our first day in Yosemite! It is hands down the most beautiful place that either of us has ever been.

We got into the park around 6:15 am, as it was only about a 20 minute drive from where we had camped at Mono Lake last night and we really like beating every one else to all of the attractions.

Our first stop was Tenaya Lake. This is what we were greeted with.

We had to keep pulling ourselves away from places like this because we felt like we would miss something if we left. It’s humbling to experience that kind of beauty.

Next stop was Olmstead Point and it was so beautiful as well. We hiked down about a half-mile past the lookout from the road and we were rewarded because the view was so much better.

We were mostly just driving Tioga Road at this point and stopping at anything that looked interesting. Tioga Road is the road that cuts straight through Yosemite from East to West. It’s only open in the summer because of all the snow in the winter.

We stopped at a little spot to go to May Lake. The trail was about 1.5 miles, uphill. It seemed like it took forever, but it was so worth it once we got there. The best part about getting up early in places like Yosemite is that you get to enjoy the incredible silence that comes along with no-one else being there with you. I also tend to think that everything is prettier in the morning light.

After sitting here for a while we decided to go back to our first stop, Tenaya Lake, to relax on the beach. We’ve decided that we like lake beaches better than beach beaches. You get all the fun without the salt water. Win win!

We spent the rest of the day taking pictures as we drove through Yosemite and stopping at a couple other quiet places.

We also got to experience the madness that is Yosemite Valley in the summer time.

Yosemite is wonderful, but I could do without the other 100,000 people here in the valley. It was nuts trying to get to the market here to buy food! We’ve never seen or known of any park with so many people in such a small area, but we made it through alive.

The rest of our evening was spent cooking hot dogs, playing cards, talking, and sitting by the fire.

Yosemite Day 2:

We got up early, yet again, to beat everyone else out to the big attractions. We’re starting to feel like we need a vacation from our vacation!

We went to see Bridalveil Falls (which is dried up this time of year), Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and a few other smaller attractions.

We had decided the previous day that we wanted to relax most of the afternoon, since we’ve mostly had a full day of doing things by lunch time. So we went back to Tenaya Lake to sit on the beach for a few hours. It was so nice. The weather was 70 and sunny with a breeze. We definitely felt rejuvenated after we left. And I felt great after swimming in the freeeeeezing water. Michelle isn’t much for cold water.

Pretty uneventful day after that. We headed back to the campground, found wifi to post on here, and settled in for the evening.

We’ve decided to not go to Death Valley anymore because we looked at the weather. We weren’t too thrilled about trying to go to sleep when it’s 90 outside. Also, logistically it worked out better for us to go straight to Joshua Tree. Then on Tuesday we’ll head back to LA to spend the night closer to Six Flags, which we’re going to on Wednesday for Michelle’s 22^nd birthday. She says the good ole double deuce is a boring birthday, so maybe some roller coasters will spice it up for her a bit.

Life is good. Jesus is better.

Love,

Taylor and Michelle