24 Hours in Yosemite

El Capitan high above.

Max and I took a spontaneous trip to Yosemite this past weekend. It was the last time this season to camp at North Pines campground in Yosemite Valley before it closed for the winter and an opportunity to experience the park without the summer crowds or heavy snow. Saturday morning we drove through intermittently drizzling and pouring rain from SF through farm country, seeing groves of almond trees for the first time, large windmills on top of rolling hills and vast plains of grass dotted with dark trees. The lush clouds made for dramatic skies set against saturated post-rain colors. When we reached Yosemite, we were surprised to see snow along some parts along the road. We were lucky to see a bear in the woods, a mule deer buck and doe, little forest squirrels and even a coyote sauntering through the campground the next morning. After a fun night with a robust fire, smores and a restful sleep, we awoke to the squawking sounds of ravens and a gorgeous sunny, brisk morning. The campsite was incredible, set right next to the Merced river among giant pine trees and with a view of Glacier Point behind us and Half Dome to the other side. http://www.iveamobility.com/soma500mg/ After not camping for six years since the Adirondacks, the weekend in Yosemite was rejuvenating and incredibly beautiful. While it was a 24 hour blitz, we experienced the wilderness and saw the natural wonders of Half Dome, El Cap, Glacier Point, Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls. We’ll be back soon.

Our campsite along the Merced River with Glacier Point rising behind.