Arrival

So it only took us three days after getting settled in to get the itch to go do stuff.  Not having internet, microwave, washer, dryer, measuring cups along with other items dubbed as 'necessities' to the modern American helped push us along.  So upon seeing that the park entrance to Yosemite was a mere 52 miles, we packed up our camping gear headed for the hills! Or to be more accurate, we headed for the massive granite sheer mountain cliffs.  

Seeing that the temperature for Yosemite Valley would only go down to 40, we thought for sure we'd be safe.  Little did we know that forecast was off by fifteen degrees, in the wrong direction.  Yosemite Valley is a tiny strip of land surrounded by these huge cliffs.  There is no gradual climb to anything.  It's 8,000 ft cliff, half a mile of valley, 8,000 ft cliff.  If looking straight ahead in the valley, all you can see is shades of grey from these giant rocks, no sky.  We hoped a strong fire would help us survive the night.  Alas, wood is not dry enough in the valley in winter to be burned, mostly because the sun can only shine directly on the valley floor for an hour or two before the mountain peaks shade it. Even though, we had a great time.  The drive to and from was beautiful with views of deep valleys covered in trees.  We saw numerous deer and squirrels so large they appeared like small dogs.  

One thing that caught our eye was how trees could still manage to grow straight out of the rock face.  Even on the peaks, where no soil could be found, sprouted trees that grew to full size.  Just on the other side of the southern ridge was a redwood grove.  No where else except in this little area, giant sequoia trees were blossoming.  Truly an amazing park.