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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.”
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