Sweet Yosemite

think we are already pretty enraptured with the USA but today managed to add a new dimension, as we visited one of the original (perhaps second) national parks in this great country.

I woke a little earlier than the others, and drafted some bog text in the hope we could upload it at some point in Yosemite, wing and a prayer on that one.

We drove around 6 miles to the park entrance, paid our $35 for a weeks pass, that we will be able to use today and tomorrow.  And then the further 6 miles to the Yosemite village, pausing to soak up the grandeur of El Capatain, couldn't see any of the rock climbers, like ants that make the regular ascent.

Parked up, and took a stroll into the village, the cafe Deglans, providing us both breakfast and free wifi. Somewhat restricted the usual photo upload and smart arse remarks as time at a premium, but maybe we all needed a break from those.

We then walked to the lower yosemite falls. Not a lot happening there, the well was pretty much dry, this did allow me and the 2 kids to do a bit of climbing up the waterfall (without water), can well imagine what it was like when the rapids are swollen.  Bryn and Carys more concerned with potential snakes hiding within the rock crevices.

Took a bus to the main walk of the day, the Misty trail to the Vernel Falls (cheers Emily, Dave we took a different route)  Started on a fairly sanitised footpath, albeit a pretty steep one, and water stations and toilets meant we never felt particularly isolated. As the height increased, the human numbers dwindled a little, and rocky steps led us to the grand reveal as we got about half way up the side of the gorge. Absolutely spectacular waterfall, the gorge backdrop enhanced the whole experience. Continued on up and the gradient was quite a pull, but nothing we couldn't handle, a lot easier than Table Mountain earlier this year. We probably hiked within ourselves, but it has all been go, go, go and a 5k hike, whilst feeling a little less than we were capable of, was probably enough for our bodies and sanity at this stage in the trip.

Mandatory money shots at the top of the Falls before a tricky descent. My planta fascitis not great on the downhill sections, not that I like to moan or anything :) Plenty of photo opportunities and 1-2 climbing chances off piste, to get the rainbow shots.  Must say the falls provided the whole experience without us having to extend ourselves.

Shuttle Bus at the base took as back to the cafe for brief wi fi and an ice cream cookie in my case.  Had been in the park for the best part of 7 hrs so we called it a day and drove back to the Cedar Lodge to pick up holiday mode. Finished my first book of the holiday, the joys of no wi fi, a thriller called Sunburn that tried to create three dimensional characters, but really tried too hard.  Quick dip in the pool, and down the motel beach, the little bit of rock and grit next to the Merced River at the heart of the gorge.  Bought a couple of beers, took a dip in the jacuzzi and for a brief moment we were back in Club Med again, holidays we haven't bothered with for a number of years now.  But nice to have nothing to think about for a couple of hours.

- Carys -

Today was a day full of excitement and adventure. We left the room at around 9ish, and drove down the long (endless looking) strip of road and into Yosemite National Park. Everything was so peaceful and quiet, aswell as beautiful. We stopped it at a modern cafe in the centre of Yosemite Village, within the park, and enjoyed a tasty breakfast (and the slow, but still useable wifi).

Once we'd finished we decided to take the shortest route around the park, to Yosemite Lower Falls, just for a little wander. We came across what seemed like a dried up river, with lots of rock at the surface, building up. All of us (barring Mum) decided to scramble up the rocks, as a passing couple had said there was a little lake on the other side. However we failed to find it, and I struggled to return from the rocks due to fear of falljing and snakes.

Eventually I made it back to the ground, and we continued the short loop around. We made it back to the village in one piece, though that was only the sort walk. WE hopped onto a shuttle bus which took us to the starting point for The Mist Trail which lead to Vernall Falls.

It took about an hour to get to the top, and was it worth it? Heck yes! The scenes were indescribably beautiful. Everything was so simple and serene. There were some amazing photo oppurtunities too. Bryn, Dad and I also went for a climb down the lower rocks near the water, where we got sprayed with waterfall water.

On the journey (up and down, and of course whilst we ate) we came across a few little friends - the squirrels. Well, I wouldn't exactly call them friends, maybe little menaces. However, they didn't do us any harm.

After the slightly difficult but stunning walk downwards we hopped back onto the shuttle bus that took us back to the village. We grabbed a snack from the cafe, and set off through the park back to our lodge.



We relaxed by the pool for the following few hours, soaking in the sun and giving our feet a rest after the long day. We ate ate at the bar and grill again in the evening, though we (except Bryn) weren't particularly hungry.