Skip to main content

Yosemite (Sierra) Reflections 2018 - Part 2

“Let’s do it, this morning drive to Glacier Point, the weather is beautiful today, no plans, just spend some time exploring.” Little did we know that the trip would provide an experience we would fall in love with yet again.

For our 30th anniversary, we were drawn once again to the tranquility of Yosemite. Exploring the National Parks - exquisite solitude, exhilaration, and the delight of re-discovery. Once we arrived, no set agenda, just go wherever nature leads you.

This year, we arrived in Yosemite early October; the gold and crimson colors were clearly evident. The vibrant colors of fall, mixed with the stark coal-black recent fire damage, tiptoed up the mountain walls. Early mornings, a slight mist hugged the meadows at Wawona, illuminated by a soft diffused light.

The air was crisp and cool – many would say downright cold - clean with the fresh scent of wet pines carried on the breeze. Temperatures dropped into the 30s at night.

Our vacation home this year, the Victorian-era Big Trees Lodge, originally established in 1879. Situated 27 miles (16.5 km) from Yosemite Valley on Highway 41. This National Historic Landmark is near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. In keeping with the authentic Victorian decor, there are no TVs, telephones or internet available in the guest rooms.

The Big Trees Lodge (Wawona Hotel) has hosted several prominent guests during its early history. Distinguished visitors included President Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, John Ruskin, Lily Langtry, Bernard Baruch, Diamond Jim Brady, William Jennings Bryan, William Harrison, and many others.


As expected, the number of visitors’ was minuscule. It may have been the lack of services, or it was simply off-season. Whatever the reason, this made for a quiet, and peaceful stay at Wawona.

Well readers, back to Glacier Point. From Wawona, the drive through the winding mountain roads is about 45 minutes to an hour. We must have spent about three hours just loafing around the public viewpoints taking snapshots, watching the tourists, just relaxing.

“While we’re here, what possible hikes can we take?”

“What about Taft Point?”

“That’s an easy hike, the map says 2.2 miles round-trip; 2-3 hours.”

So, we hopped into the car with the expectation of finding a parking spot at the Taft Point trailhead. As we approached the parking area cars were strewn all up-and-down the roadway. Not a chance.

We continued down the road then impulse or a small voice within screamed, “Turn around, try another pass.” As we did, it happened in an instant.

“Lori, look, there’s a bear crossing the road!”

A big black bear lumbered across the road. We watched, in awe, as he disappeared into the brush.

“That was pretty cool, I’m so glad we turned around.”

Within seconds a parking spot appeared, we stopped, loaded our packs and headed up the road to the trailhead.

At the trailhead, you have two options: turn left to head toward Taft Point and The Fissures or right to Sentinel Dome.

Your walk to Taft Point is easy at first, through the forest and fern-filled meadows. Watch your step around The Fissures and at Taft Point. The sheer drop-offs are dramatic, even frighting. Here you'll delight in spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley.

When you come upon a spot like this one, you simply stop, relax,  enjoy your lunch, and take in the panorama. Time in the mountains loses all meaning . . .

What a memorable day. Serendipity has a way of making things simply magical.

“Romantic sponges, they say, do it
Oysters down in oyster bay do it
Let's do it, let's fall in love.”

Comments

Most Popular of All Time

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode,  Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...