YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
August 2024
I have read how splendid and impressive they are, I have been told marvelous things about them, but this is about it. This is my first time ever in a national Park. Yosemite NP is probably one of the most famous national park you can find amongst the 63 NP spread across the United States (rightfully so).
It is 5:30am on Sunday morning. After some cowboy camping the previous night -where a bear sneaked on our campsite to get his nose in my cooler full of food, we are passing the gates of the park.
It’s barely dawn. Only darkness around us as we are driving on curvy roads, diving into the thick woods. After a while, sunlight is peaking out. Coming out from the tall trees, there is a pullout on the side of the road. We stop. We get out of the car, it’s cold – not much of a surprise at 6 am up in the mountains. We get our first glimpse at the Valley. Around us, the landscape is mostly granite, scattered with vegetation. Already some cars passing by on the road. Time to get going. We get in the car and make our way to the valley.
To welcome us, El Capitan, standing proudly on the side de road. It is hard to imagine how those gigantic cliffs were formed, so many years ago. To be honest, it doesn’t even matter. Because here there are, reaching towards the sky. Further down the way, in the heart of the Valley, there is campgrounds, buildings and stores – America Baby.
After a warm breakfast, a quick cleanup and a great talk with volunteers, we hopped on a shuttle to the Mist trail. One of the classic trails of the park. Only a few minutes onto the trail for the Vernal falls, we ran into a young lynx on the side of the trail. Pretty sick I gotta admit !
Just to point out; this guy, some birds and about a billion squirrels was all the fauna we got to see over this 3-day stay in the parc.
It is fairly early in the morning and yet, we sometimes have to stop as the line in front of us is building up. Overall, I gotta admit it was pretty smooth. After a few hours, thousands of steps, even more awesome views and some sweat, we made it to Nevada Falls. We can then look back and enjoy the splendid view down there.
Coming out of the dry summer, I have to say this period is probably not the best if you want to see vegetation at its peak and falls spitting water. One thing I have to stay, it’s pretty sweet to be able to wear only a T-shirt all day long.
After a great lunch along the river, we make our way back to the valley. Then it is time to go to our campround ; Crane Flat Campground -just outside the valley. On the way, a dude thumbing a lift. A frenchy -what are the odds??, Man in his 40s coming to Yosemite for a 2 week backpacking experience. Nice Guy.
The tent is up, and we gotta hurry if we want to make it to glacier point before sunset. We stop by the Yosemite Vista point on the way and get this great picture most people come for. After a nice and easy drive up the mountains, we finally get to Glacier point.
At one of the highest point in the park, the scenic view is just incredible. We can see the whole valley from above. Everything is so small and yet gigantic. Half dome is standing just in front of us – By the way, this is the same half dome as on the The North Face logo.
Last sunlight are sinking into the horizon. Gas tank is nearly empty and we don’t know if we’ll make it to one of the 3 gas station of the park. We still have time to pull over for some great golden hour pictures. We made it, time to fall asleep. Damn that was a busy day.
It is 7am and the birds are singing. We pack our things and hit the road. Toioga Road to be precise. We are going to Tuolumne Meadows today. One of the “must do” in Yosemite NP according to this nice lady volunteering from Texas.
But before, we go to Tuolumne Grove, only a few minutes away from the place we stayed at. After a small hike (dropping 150 meters in one mile), we make it to the grove. A place where only giants thrive. Giant Sequoias. That really puts things back in perspective. We are just funny tinny human beings. The only downer, you gotta make it back to the parking spot uphill – an experience in itself.
Back in the car and on the way to the meadows, the landscape is gorgeous and we stop at different spots. We eventually get to Tenaya Lake. The water is crystal clear, sun’s hitting, it’s the perfect place. I go for a dip.
We just arrive at Tuolomne Meadows, first order of business; lunch. After some spicy asian pastas, we start walking. It’s pretty flat and the landsape is just gorgeous. We get to a nice river, here I am, back in the water.
Time flies and it is time to head back to San-Francisco. Back to the clock, back to traffic, back to civilization, back to reality. Two days just weren’t enough to do it all. That leaves plenty to do for another trip.
Cheers,
