The road to Yosemite is windy, up and down the hills of Northern California. The road revealed hidden lakes throughout the vast valleys. You pass several small towns that have a presence since the 1800s, you blink and you might miss it. Once I made it to the park, it was still about an hour to get to Yosemite Village. There are a few pull offs that look out on the valley and you start to catch a glimpse of the massive Domes the park is known for.
uThe size of these domes look massive from far away and once you’re in the loop drive of Yosemite and at the base of the these rock walls, you really get a proper sense how these are giants standing out from the earth. In order to properly photograph them I needed to use the wide angle lens I bought specifically for this trip – And I’m thankful I pulled the trigger on it. It wil also be useful for astrophotography when i’m at the Grand Canyon on Monday.
I’m not an outdoors person, the elements usually are trying to kill me. This doesn’t take away from my appreciation of nature and the beauty of our National Parks. The views are breathtaking just from what you can see from the loop.
I took my time making my way around the 12 mile route, walking through the meadow below El Capitan. Then at the end of the North loop there was a pulloff along the river that wasn’t busy in the late afternoon. Most people seemed to be at the lodge in the middle of the park.
I walked through some trees and found a spot in the shade with a log I could sit on and eat was left of my pizza from Sunday, write a postcard to my parents and sketch El Capitan and the river from my view. It was relaxing and felt nice in the cool air around the water. I also saw a couple of people fall into the river to the amusement of their partners, be careful when interacting with nature.
One very neurodivergent thing about me when I drive it is usually a loop. I rarely like to back track and have a need to go a new route from the one I came. Before I left I made one more round of the valley before exiting the south end of the park through a massive tunnel carved through the hillside. Additionally I prefer small highway drives vs the interstate. So the cali highways have been great. TOmorrow I drive to San Diego and through LA. I don’t know how much of I-5 and it’s spurs I’ll be able to avoid.
