Yosemite Valley, June 17-20, 2010

I haven't been back to Yosemite since I was about 10 years old, aka the traumatic year of trying to memorize my 'times tables.'  I remember it well; my Dad's insistence in quizzing me as we drove up the Glacier point, me begging him to stop  because I was on vacation, followed by his now legendary response that "You're never on vacation from math."  Thanks Dad.  One thing that didn't change was that very first shocking view of the entire valley, just after you come out of the tunnel.  I could see it every day and be amazed every time.

This time around, we made it a full 4 days trip so we could see EVERYTHING, the culmination of which was hiking the "Sierra Loop" which is basically a series of shorter trails strong together over about 13 insane miles, the first 4.5 of which are a very steep straight up top Glacier point where you're promptly met by hoard of tourists...who drove up.  Althoguh we were all initially a little bummed we weren't able to get permits to hike Half Dome, the views the Sierra Trail afforded were so different than anything you could typically see in the park that there was no way to stay disappointed. 

 Ryan at the Half way mark to Glacier Point facing West with Sentinal Rock and El Capitan.

rounding the bend at Glacier Point with Half Dome and then Nevada and Vernal Falls awaiting our arrival... 

Looking across the lake at Yosemite falls and then hiking to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls.

Major hiking day aside, we spent the rest of the weekend taking in the entire park and, me personally, wishing no cars were allowed in. I'd hike my pack in if I had to, because the traffic was just so out of hand and I can't imagine doing much good for the valley itself. But in spite of the masses, Yosemite never lets you down.