We have just returned from a glorious hike in Yosemite National Park. While the temperature stayed at 100 degrees and the sun was blazing, we had an amazing time hiking to one of the waterfalls near the O’Shaughnessy Dam at Hetch Hetchy. You cross the dam and go through a great tunnel to start the hike.
It was a great drive here and we stopped at fruit stands along the way and bought wonderful produce right off the local farms.
We have the wedding tonight at the Evergreen Lodge where we are staying. The Lodge is a lovely spot with cute cabins and many distractions, including a salt water pool nestled in the high country woods.
The fire a couple years about came right up to the Lodge. Trees show the scorch marks from the blaze as do many of the mountains. However, with the burning has come new life. Brilliant green plants have sprouted from the forest floor — creating a stark contrast of the burned tree against the green underbrush.
Here are a few pictures from today:
Hi JT! I’m glad you had a good time. And I wish you the best. Keep up the good work.
Simply beautiful! Lucky you!
The National Park System really is one of the nation’s greatest treasures, I visit one or more every summer and look forward to seeing more of them. I was lucky enough to grow up close enough to Yosemite to make day trips, favorite time of year is late fall/early winter, though not likely if you have kids in school.
Very good move going to Hetch Hetchy. Most people go to Yosemite Valley and say they’ve “seen Yosemite.” Not even close. It’s a huge park. Maybe next time you can take a week or three and a backpack, go skinny-dipping in some lake that hasn’t seen humans in years. My memories.
It is gratifying to observe Professor Turley gaining a deep understanding of why actual Californians are “conservative.” Imagine; California was once pristine. The “Campground is Full” sign went up in 1960.
And then the campground was…
Looks lovely
The science geek
http://www.thesciencegeek.org
What a wonderful place. I’ve been there just once, but did get to see the dam at and took some short hikes. It makes me very happy to know these kinds of places are preserved. I hope we have the good sense to continue to preserve and protect such special places.
For sure Paul Annie Rich, I’ve only been once and it is absolutely awe-inspiring!
Beautiful photos. Enjoy the wedding.
Olly, In a decade, JT will be able to buy a lifetime park pass for $10. then the troll will really whine. I have Yosemite on my short list.
Yosemite is one of my favorite places to visit in CA. If you’ve never done the hike to Half Dome, I highly recommend it. After proper training and spending a few days in Yosemite beforehand to get acclimated to the altitude of course.
Jb, were you drafted? After 20 years in the Navy I often dealt with whiners that felt the world owed them for their service. You are free to pursue your own happiness, just like JT. You might want to begin by not following a blog that brings out your jealous side. Or, prioritize things in your life differently so that a trip to Yosemite is possible. Either way, be humble enough to know your service is not about you but the country you represent.
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. My wife and I are halfway to our goal of visiting Yosemite in every season. Still on the bucket list: spring and summer.
Haven’t had the privledge to visit Yosemite but I’m more than happy to subsidize its existence.
Too bad we can’t collectively do the same with the Arctic.
Watch out for “da bears”. You are not in Chicago.
I wager we put money to mouth. How about no one comment on his subsidized vacation…..who gets enuf days off to go there? Don’t answer …. just give him the silent treatment. Maybe then he’ll get over himself lately.
so glad taxpayers who will never see yosemite….have preserved it for you for twenty bucks. Or whatever dent in your wallet it costs you. Happy to subsidize your vacation….we were happy to deploy to iraq and africa too….so you could have a nice cheap subsidezed and safe vacation….anything for big lawyers…..love the pics. Kma.