Love is in the Air!

Sunday, May 21^st was our 

34^th wedding anniversary!

What an incredible place to celebrate.

 Bridalveil Fall

    Ribbon Falls is the longest single-drop waterfall 

in North America at 1612 feet.

California has been dealing with drought for five years
but this year because of record-breaking 

snow pack, the waterfalls are back.

We counted 21 falls or full creeks in one day. 

 Most visitors love to see the waterfalls, 

but if you zoom in you can see 

   others come to rock climb!

The extra moisture has also increased the wildflowers.

We went down a one lane road to Swinging Bridge,
 over the roaring Merced River.

It was a little scary
 especially when Scott is bouncing behind me.

 Merced River

Even though there are thousands of people flocking here 

and parking can be crazy, you can still find some quiet
areas to listen to the birds and take in the beauty.

  Off the beaten path we found some deer.

 Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest in the world
and the tallest in North America at 2,425 feet!

Lower Yosemite Falls.

 Scott has been retired for over three years, but he still
had to check and see if he printed this phone book.

It is amazing that you can still find one, 

let alone three booths!

Heading to Glacier Point we didn't think 

we would see this much snow!

 Yosemite Falls and Overhanging Rock from

Glacier Point.  

Fabulous views from 7,214 feet.

Royal Arches and North Dome

Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome 8842 ft.

The top fall is Nevada Fall 594 ft.

and the lower is Vernal Fall 317 ft.

 We planned on hiking Sentinel Dome Trail until

we came to the sign that says, "Yosemite N.P. 

recommending you NOT hike on this trail - 

hazardous, deep snow, trail not visible."

Well, you know, we couldn't help but go
and explore a little. We could hear
water rushing and trudged to the stream.
Every step was difficult.

Since we had some extra time we went back to Tunnel View.

I tried some different features on the camera.

Love the waterfalls!

"Roses are red
Dirt is brown
Let's go hiking
and get out of town."
Sean Rodgers

Dreams Do Come True!

Yosemite has been a dream of ours 

for many years and now it has come true!  

We picked up some maps at the visitor center and

 walked to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

It was cold and drizzling as we crossed 

 the covered bridge, which was built in 1857, 

into a little village. 

 The South Fork of the Merced river through a knothole.

 Common home.

Yosemite’s only two-story log home built in 1879.

Stage Office. 

Blacksmith shop to repair your wagon before 

the 8-hour trip to Yosemite Valley.

A variety of wagons including this mosquito wagon.

An eleven passenger stagecoach. 

Steller's Jay

Lupine

Inside Yosemite you can stay at Big Tree Lodge.
 It is a mid-1800's hotel with Victorian decor.

Thank you John Muir, President Roosevelt, President Lincoln,
Galen Clark and so many others who had the passion,
vision and worked to preserve the National Parks.
Without those who fought to protect this land we wouldn't
be able to enjoy this beautiful park.

This is the most famous, amazing view
that takes your breath away.
El Capitan on the left, Half Dome in the background,
Sentinel Rock, Bridalveil Fall, and Cathedral Rocks.

We are blessed beyond imagination.

What a beautiful place!

"It is by far the grandest of all the special temples 
of Nature I was ever permitted to enter."
John Muir

Keep dreaming!