Yosemite

After a long 11-hour drive from Las Vegas, we arrived at Wawona Lodge in Yosemite National Park, which had an old-school charm with a pianist playing and older people enjoying wine and whisky. We followed some important safety precautions, such as emptying the fridge to prevent bears from getting into the car overnight. I did this begrudingly as I was sure that a bear couldn’t smell the food from inside a sealed box in the car but needs must.

The next morning, we headed to Upper Pines campground and were struck by the breathtaking views of El Capitan. As we rounded the corner and saw it for the first time, it just stood so majestic looking over the valley floor. We set up camp and went for a short hike to Vernal Falls, saving the big hike for the next day. That night, we met a fellow camper named Gerald and ended up having a great time together. Gerald had suggested a few drinks at sunset at the base of Half Dome and we ended up sharing beers and cooking dinner late into the night.

The next morning, with weary heads, we decided to delay the big hike and take a leisurely stroll through Yosemite Valley. We were lucky enough to meet Mitch, a friendly guy who works for Patagonia and even gave us a discount code to use at their stores. We were also inspired by the climbers tackling El Capitan, including an 8-year-old setting a world record for the youngest climber. We began to wonder whether at 33 years old, is it too late to start a career as a climber (I think so!)

On our final day, we took on the challenging 4-mile trail that would give us views of both El Capitan and Half Dome. The route is actually 10 miles out and back, and a steep and tiring hike, but the views at the top were worth it. We couldn’t help but do a little dance every time we passed another kilometre marker. It was a magical experience, and we both agree that we would go back to Yosemite in a heartbeat. A good couple of days, filled with stunning views, friendly camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

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