This should be on everybody’s Bucket List. Period. A few days before we left on our big adventure, we had watched a Ken Burns documentary called The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. I like Mr.Burns work, and this one did not disappoint. I learned so much. I really didn’t realize that we, as Americans, came up with the idea of reserving stunning places to be held in trust for the people…all people. I was surprised to learn what lengths nature loving citizens like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt had to go through to get this implemented. Today, I wish i could thank them personally. I, mean, I’ve seen some beautiful places – from the Keys, to the Pacific and as far as Alaska. Nothing and I mean nothing compares to this. 

Let’s back up just a bit. We arrived late in the afternoon at Oakhurst and got setteled in to the Best Western Gateway Inn there. Yes, another BW. This one had a double room, like a suite, which gave Will his own space without burning up more points for an extra room. Perfect! Since our change of plans in Santa Barbara, we’re only staying one night. Once again, we had to make it count. We put in some laundry and went sightseeing around town.

Yard Art - Yosemite Style.
Yard Art – Yosemite Style.

Yard art at this house was cool – a wrought iron stagecoach. The sun made for a lousy shot, but it’ll do. We drove around and Will was in love with the area. We stopped at a spot at the top of the mountain where there was a real estate sign at a bald patch of dirt. Will was like, “Wow-this would be a great spot for a house!” we saddly informed him that this once was. All over, there were new homes and bare foundations left from the terrible fires that ravaged the area some years back. Sad and beautiful all together.

A wood version of the Statue of Liberty.
A wood version of the Statue of Liberty.

Later, we returned and discovered that the town of Oakhurst was really pretty small. We decided to eat at the hotel and get an early start out to the park. A good idea.

Chainsaw carving
Chainsaw carving
Twists and turns !
Twists and turns ! Loving that double sunroof.

We got underway just after daybreak. I’m so glad that Jon drove – those switchbacks were crazy! For all of you that like those rollercoaster videos….

…you’re welcome.

How far down?
How far down?

Then we could see the valley in the distance.

...words cannot describe.
…words cannot describe.

Around the corner and into the clearing…

OMG
OMG

Don’t bother buying postcards – every shot is postcard worthy!

El Capitan - or Half Dome?
El Capitan – or Half Dome?

We found a little picnic spot and walked around a bit. The weather was beautiful and the temp was cool and morning fresh.

Yes - from an iPhone.
Yes – Shot on an iPhone.

I started walking a path through the valley floor and stopped for a photo. I then paused and thought about the documentary I’d seen. I thought of what this would have become without their foresight and detirmination. Blanketed with casinos and strip malls (I’ve been to Niagara Falls) – I was a little choked up at the image in my head. This is such a powerful landscape. Yes, the word is powerful. You just can’t grasp it without giving pause for reflection.

The grassy meadow at the Valley Floor.
The grassy meadow at the Valley Floor.
Might be my new screensaver.
Might be my new screensaver.
A blue cast was the result of tiny flowers on the grass tips.
A blue cast was the result of tiny flowers on the grass tips.

The tiny trail led me back to where the boys were exploring the trees. Immense trees!

Huge!
Huge!

Will isn’t the biggest guy – but by no means small  – this tree made a midget of him!

An this isn't the biggest tree here.
And this isn’t the biggest tree here.
An art pic.
An art pic.
Jonny Tourguide had to advertise once again :)
Jonny Tourguide had to advertise once again 🙂

Yes, Jon you win – you do take us to the best places!

One last look
One last look

Ok, moving on…

The valley from the road is impressive.
The valley from the road is impressive.
One more...
One more…

We drove around and walked to The Village, etc. stopped at the giftshop and did the tourist thing. Then found the river. wow –  

The river.
The river.

I could just play this in a loop ! All day…

It was just getting to be late morning and the park was beginning to fill. Time to head out.

Leaving the Valley.
Leaving the Valley.
Valley exit.
Valley exit.
See how people can ruin nature - LOL
See how people can ruin nature – LOL
'Mind the Gap' has new meaning.
‘Mind the Gap’ has new meaning.
Through the tunnel and out .
Through the tunnel and out .

The road out headed north toward San Fransisco was scarred with burt patches and others blistered with Pine Beetle infestation. Sad. 

The park itself, at The Valley floor isn’t all that long a drive (without traffic). The real park encompasses much more. I really wanted to see some of the giant sequoia trees. The Mariposa Grove was ‘closed for renovation’… how exactly do you ‘renovate’ a stand of trees. OK, I get it, there are roads and everything to deal with. So, we thought we stop at a smaller grove on our way out. We didn’t realize it was a 3-4hour hike from the road. Hmm, next trip! 

Oh, yes I’m sure we’ll be back. 

The roads were lined with 2 small lanes and hairpin turns!
The roads were lined with 2 small lanes and hairpin turns!

The road out was so small ! On the map, it was just a road – but OMG like our own episode of TopGear. We put that 4-Matic to good use.

…on to San Fransisco!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *