Yosemite

How can one do a post about 5 days in Yosemite without posting a ton of pictures?  If you figure it out let me know.  In the mean time I have included several pictures from our trip there this summer.  It was the first time any of us had been there.  Funny how when you live so close (5hrs) from somewhere sometimes you don't appreciate it and never think to vacation there. We stepped outside the box and went this summer.  We were literally in awe the entire week.  The sheer rocks are so huge and the beauty is beyond description~it's no wonder people come from all over the world to enjoy this place!  An added bonus is the cost for $20/night I can't think of anywhere to get so much bang for your buck.

This was our first hike on day one to Mirror Lake.  Behind us is Half Dome.  When we got to the lake we renamed it Mirror Puddle.  Due to the low rain/snowfall earlier in the season the water level was very lot.  It is considered an easy trail.  Still an amazing hike and gave us a good sense for how much hiking the boys could handle.

Cool rocks near Mirror Lake.

Loved these signs.  We never did see any bears but they are everywhere there.  Several precautions have to be take in the camping areas to keep them away and large fines are issued if you don't take them.

Pretty stuff

The hike up to the top of Vernal Falls- it is an amazing hike.  Cameron & Cooper did awesome.  The hike is considered strenuous, it took us 5 hours in all and the experience is indescribable.

The top of Vernal Falls

On our way back down

A special spot!

Back down the trail.

On the way to Tuolumne Meadows.  Half Dome is in the far distance.  The guides had a telescope set-up we got to look through and see the climbers on the Half Dome cables.  So inspiring Eddie & I would love to do it.

Bridalveil Falls

A cool down in the Merced River.

This was our major mode of transportation around the valley.  It's a much better way to travel than the shuttles.  Half Dome in the background.

Hiking up to Lower Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite falls with the trickle of water.  Eddie & the boys swam here.  Freezing water but beautiful.

Hiking back from Yosemite Falls.  Cool rock climbers for entertainment.

El Capitan

Merced River

We had a great week there.  Originally I figured we'd get bored and last 3 days but the beauty goes on & on  We actually can't wait to go again.  I think we are going to have to wait awhile.  All this talk of the Hantovirus makes us feel so lucky to have been sleeping in our RV and not one of those tents.  If any of you ever have the chance to go to Yosemite, we highly recommend it.