Peace Out

I wish I could figure out how to do night sky photography! Being a rural gal (and a bit of a traveler), I have seen my share of stars. However, I have NEVER seen a starry night like we saw last night. The Milky Way really was thick and white like spilled milk in the sky.

Then, if falling asleep to that wasn't enough, this morning we awoke to this view of the Sierra Nevadas from our bedroom door....



The only interfering factor was having campsite neighbors with a little guy that woke up whiney, but he was whining in French which made it seem less annoying!

After a hearty breakfast, we packed up our home away from home and headed back into Yosemite. We parked for the day and hopped a shuttle (not only to save gas and be environmentally friendly but you could tell there would be limited parking space soon!). We did a morning hike to lower Yosemite Falls which is often dried up by this time of year. Donnie climbed through boulders to almost the very base of the falls. I stayed behind on that stretch to capture a good photo of his experience :)



We then did an afternoon hiked that was just under 2 miles to Vernal Falls and the trip out took a whole lot less than the trip in! It was steep, steep, steep and my calves are still burning. It was gorgeous but the photo smile is forced.



After a quick change of clothes in the parking lot (I was discreet!), and a small mishap with melted deodorant, we made our way to the fancy Ahwahnee Hotel for our well earned snacks and drinks on the patio. Impressive place of stone and wood built in the 20s to attract the affluent. I'm sure we fit right in.






One more short hike to Bridal Veil Falls, then in the car and headed out of the mountains and the park. The man who is known for Yosemite becoming a national treasure was quoted as saying "nature's peace flows into you here". I couldn't find words to say it any better so I won't try.

Our timing (and lack of a plan) couldn't have worked any better. The bumper to bumper cars heading up the mountain road into Yosemite for the Labor Day weekend was scary! We are putting the tent up in the Sierra Forest and will drive through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks tomorrow on our way to Las Vegas for our Nevada missions.

Stats:

172 miles
Gas $37.90
Ice $2.19
Happy hour treats $42
Camping $18


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