Yosemite NP

“I came to life in the cool winds and crystal waters of the mountains…”

John Muir

It’s a big day for us. Not only is it election day but we are off to explore Yosemite NP.  Sadly we have no service for the kids to attend class today. Ariel has been learning about John Muir in her class, though, and I am excited to show her Yosemite NP. John Muir was a passionate naturalist and fell in love with Yosemite.  He helped draw up its proposed boundaries in 1889.  He even co-founded the Sierra Club in 1892 to protect it. When Ron and I imagined taking this big trip, we wanted to make meaningful connections to learning for the kids. I am so happy we could do that again for Ariel today. 

Yosemite was gorgeous with its tall granite cliffs and sequoia forests. We took our tour through the park to get our bearings and get a plan for the day. We wanted to make sure the kids could see all the highlights and have a picnic by the river. Riverside picnics are the kid’s favourite. We hiked as far as we could to Bridalveil Falls. This waterfall apparently dries up in the winter but we were fortunate to still see some water flowing down the side of the mountain.  

El Capitan and Half Dome were next on our little self-directed tour. We mentioned to Ariel and Wyatt that someone actually climbed all the way up El Capitan without any safety ropes. In the same breath I told the kids that they are never to try that themselves. 

We found the perfect little picnic spot along the Merced River. It was a quiet place and we brought Maggie and Remi with us too.  We didn’t see any signs saying no dogs were allowed like we saw in other National Parks so we assumed it was OK. I love these peaceful moments where the kids play along the bank. It was not high or moving fast so it was safe. The dogs explored, and Ron and I got a moment to sit and take in our beautiful surroundings. We had a beautiful view of El Capitan. Ron and I both agreed that if we could homestead we would build our log cabin right along this river. It is the perfect spot right at the foot of the mountains and by a charming meadow.  

After a very relaxing afternoon picnic we packed up and started to make our way back to the truck.  At that moment as I had both dog’s leashes in my hand I spotted a bear making its way to the river’s edge. NOT AGAIN I thought. This time however I was relatively calm. Am I perhaps getting more brave? Not likely. I think I was calm because this time I had a game plan. I would drop the picnic cooler if I had to and entice the bear with tasty cheese and crackers and meat.  If that didn’t work I knew that my dogs would surely protect me.

We all calmly made our way back up to the trail and put some safe distance between us and the bear.  My fierce protectors did not even perk up to bark threatening words at the black bear.  The bear was capturing a lot of tourist attention at this point and did not even seem to care.  He had a radio collar on so I knew the Park Rangers were keeping track of him.  It wasn’t until we got to the truck and completely out of danger that my two pups finally decided to voice their concern and bark at the bear. Thanks Maggie and Remi!

There are some beautiful lodges here in the park and Ron wanted to sit outside on the patio at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee). We had a gorgeous mountain view and enjoyed a bite to eat and a glass of wine. This National Park is one of my favourites and I wish we had more time to explore. This trip has taught us that there are so many National Parks that we want to come back to.  Perhaps in a couple years when our youngest hiker can handle longer hikes.   

We headed back to camp and felt a bit anxious because we had no way of finding out how the election was going.  We will be happy to have cell service tomorrow on our way to San Francisco.  

Goodnight from…yes, actual Yosemite!