Like many others, we have been captured by the wonders and beauties of our countries' National Parks. It didn't take long for Yosemite National Park in central California to become a very high priority. We decided this summer would be a good opportunity to explore this natural paradise during our trip to visit Jeff's parents in Southern California.
Our campsite at Wawona Campground was about 45 minutes from most destinations in the park. Our first hike was to the top of Sentinel Dome. It included a 2.2 roundtrip hike to the top of a 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley in the heat of late afternoon. The hike itself was mild until the final stretch of scrambling up the steep granite dome to the very top. The views were spectacular and it was the perfect introduction to this grand place. We got back to our campsite and ate our dinner by flashlight before snuggling into our sleeping bags: Grandma and Wendy in the green tent; Jeff, Walter and I in the orange tent.
Securing a camping spot in this popular destination during peak season was tricky, but miraculously we were able to make reservations in the Wawona Campground located about 30 miles south of Yosemite Valley. We had a very nice site that was a quick jaunt away from the bathrooms and water, which was so convenient. We were also just across the way from the Merced River, which made for the perfect spot to splash and cool off after a long, hot day of hiking. It was a great home base to cook, sleep and play in the dirt for the few days we were there.
The next day we hiked the "Mist Trail" which leads to Vernals Falls and eventually Nevada Falls. We ventured to the top of Vernal Falls and stopped for a little while to take in the scenery and give the kids a break from being carried. We then continued on towards Nevada Falls. Given the increasing temperatures and considering the time it would take to hike back down to our lunch, we decided to turn back just before the top of this second waterfall. We were all exhausted after such a long outing, but felt so accomplished. The views were amazing, and so worth all of the effort it took to get to them.
We couldn't have done this trip without Mom who provided pleasant company and help with the kids. It was an amazing, exhausting, beautiful, adventurous trip and we are so, so grateful for the opportunity to bask in some of God's greatest creations.
I don't know if there has been a more beautiful lot of photos posted on the Cornwall blog. (And I am not just saying this because of the lovely person often carrying a gold backpack in many of the photos.) Really magnificent scenes. Really magnificently photographed.
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