Yosemite Trip- 2010: Memories
So, we all felt like another year at Yosemite would do all of us some good. And that is exactly what 13 of us did to finish off our summer. Many of our journeyers had never been to Yosemite ever, so I was excited to show them all what Yosemite has to offer. Even though it was toward the end of summer, some of the waterfalls were not flowing, but others flow year round. On Thursday, I took 1/2 of the group on a hike to Upper Yosemite Falls, a 7.6 round-trip hike up a 3000 ft. elevation gain from the valley floor of Yosemite. Since there was no waterfall coming down, I still wanted to take them to the top since the views are absolutely spectacular.
After being called all the names in the book on the way up the trail for not preparing those for the difficult hike and after taking breaks 20+ times, we finally got to the top. Between the constant slipping on rocks, dirt trails, switchbacks and blazing sun, we made it. It was a hilarious hike up. From, "I can't believe you are making us do this!" to "I hate you Scottie!" to "I am never doing this again!" we finally made it and the view down was spectacular. If you don't know any of us, we talk like that all the time, the jokes are ridiculously funny. I got many apologies after we reached the top and spend some time admiring the beauty from 8000 ft up. You can see by all the smiles it was well worth it. Even Peter, Jason and I walked to the edge of where Upper Yosemite falls normally runs over the edge during the peak of summer and were pretty freaked out. Normally we are not able to stand were we are since the water is rushing so fast you would be swept over the edge. All that were left were large pools of water that we ended up jumping into. A bone-chilling 52 degrees, but hey, we have great memories.
The next day we had the rest of the group drive up and meet us, so we took a hike up to Vernal Falls and Nevada falls. This hike was not as strenuous and I promised those that were skeptical would appreciate the hike. The picture below shows us at the top of Vernal Falls, sitting on the edge of the cliff the drops over 1000 ft. Yes, we all were a bit nervous, but nevertheless the views down below is something you just have to see.
There is just something about being up in the mountains, away from cell phone service, the smell of fresh pine trees and no smog, the deer walking across the streets, the calmness of the valley, the friendly people, good friends and campfires that just makes for a good vacation, oh yeah and no drama. All in all, a really great trip and memories that will last forever...
More blogs to come soon, I promise...I have been lacking in the blog department lately!
In Him,
Scottie
Scottie
