Yosemite – How Can You Not be Inspired

I had a great getaway to Yosemite with one of my buddies this past week!  I was able to visit some of my favorite shops and take in the awe-inspiring beauty that is Yosemite National Park.  It was very hot and humid, which I had never experienced there.  While we were out hiking one day, we were soaked to the skin by a sudden downpour as the sky lit up and the thunder cracked.  Despite my momentary discomfort this was a blessing, as the waterfalls that were looking meager compared to years past began to pour as if someone had suddenly opened a valve.  The following day we hiked 8.9 miles on the Panorama Trail from Glacier Point, a viewpoint 3,200 ft above Yosemite Valley, down to Curry Village.  After the initial climb down to Illilouette Fall, we had to hike up 800 ft of steep switchbacks before hiking down the same distance immediately on the other side.  By the time we were hiking down the steep stone steps along Nevada and Vernal falls, my knees and legs were beginning to feel the strain.  We had amazing views of Half Dome, Yosemite Fall, Illilouette Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and the entire Valley!  After taking in all this beauty, my mind has been swirling with visual possibilities to add to my to do list.