A little taste of Heaven
“Down through the middle of the Valley flows the crystal Merced, River of Mercy, peacefully quiet, reflecting lilies and trees and the onlooking rocks; things frail and fleeting and types of endurance meeting here and blending in countless forms, as if into this one mountain mansion Nature had gathered her choicest treasures, to draw her lovers into close and confiding communion with her.” - John Muir
On our last full day spent in California, we planned way ahead of time to go to Yosemite, just the two of us. A vacation from our vacation. Believe it or not, I had never been there before that. I know, I know. It's crazy to have spent 24 years of my life only an hour from one of the most beautiful and famous spots in nature in the WORLD, and I've never been. It. Was. Breathtaking.
On our last full day spent in California, we planned way ahead of time to go to Yosemite, just the two of us. A vacation from our vacation. Believe it or not, I had never been there before that. I know, I know. It's crazy to have spent 24 years of my life only an hour from one of the most beautiful and famous spots in nature in the WORLD, and I've never been. It. Was. Breathtaking.
It seemed so far away from the busy-ness and hustle of world, and so quiet and fresh and green in comparison. Like heaven! It was so like Heaven on Earth. I'm convinced that Heavenly Father just left a touch of the Garden of Eden on Earth for us to enjoy.
But with tourists...
Our first stop was a vista point to get our first glimpse of Half Dome.
Our next destination was supposed to be Glacier Point to get the best view of the entire valley possible, but it seems that the rest of the world had the same idea and it was a 2 hour wait to go up there. Since we only had one day, we opted out. Instead we headed to Bridal Veil Fall. It was beautiful, but also sad. Because of the drought, there was only a little mist coming off the top of the waterfall. Still so pretty though.
Then we were going down to the valley. Unfortunately there was a ton of traffic. We had some nice quality time in the car together, then we got out of it at a beach {that I don't remember the name of} and actually found a super sweet little spot on the bank of the Merced River with an incredible view to eat our lunch.
And even had time to take some silly pictures.
After lunch and finding parking {which took much longer than you would think}, we were able to see the famous Yosemite Falls. I learned that this is the tallest waterfall in the United States, and the 5th tallest in the world. Incredible! This one had a little more water, but still people were able to climb all over the boulders and rocks that the water is usually flowing over. The waterfall has three levels, and in these pictures all you can see is the first. It's so, so big!
We took a different trail away from the falls, and came across a perfect little deserted spot with a bench and a view. I couldn't believe there wasn't anyone there! We were there for quite a while and only two people came through. A plaque stated that it was where John Muir lived in his cabin for two years. We were trying to imagine what it would be like to wake up every morning and walk out your front door to this view.
The rest of the day was spent wandering the valley and taking in the beauty of the massive granite, trees, and waterfalls surrounding us.
The Ahwahnee Hotel
Then we were going down to the valley. Unfortunately there was a ton of traffic. We had some nice quality time in the car together, then we got out of it at a beach {that I don't remember the name of} and actually found a super sweet little spot on the bank of the Merced River with an incredible view to eat our lunch.
And even had time to take some silly pictures.
After lunch and finding parking {which took much longer than you would think}, we were able to see the famous Yosemite Falls. I learned that this is the tallest waterfall in the United States, and the 5th tallest in the world. Incredible! This one had a little more water, but still people were able to climb all over the boulders and rocks that the water is usually flowing over. The waterfall has three levels, and in these pictures all you can see is the first. It's so, so big!
We took a different trail away from the falls, and came across a perfect little deserted spot with a bench and a view. I couldn't believe there wasn't anyone there! We were there for quite a while and only two people came through. A plaque stated that it was where John Muir lived in his cabin for two years. We were trying to imagine what it would be like to wake up every morning and walk out your front door to this view.
The rest of the day was spent wandering the valley and taking in the beauty of the massive granite, trees, and waterfalls surrounding us.
The Ahwahnee Hotel
With beauty such as this in the world, who can deny the existence of God?
“...full of God's thoughts, a place of peace and safety amid the most exalted grandeur and enthusiastic action, a new song, a place of beginnings abounding in first lessons of life, mountain building, eternal, invincible, unbreakable order; with sermons in stone, storms, trees, flowers, and animals brimful with humanity.” - John Muir
Comments
Post a Comment