Yosemite in May

(click on photos to enlarge)

The Holts finally traveled to Yosemite National Park after 12 years in the Bay Area! It was awesome! Tons of snow was melting and the many many waterfalls were going full force! Yosemite Valley is gorgeous with rivers rushing through it, small beaches, beautiful lakes, bright stars in the sky each night and hikes galore. A nice tour type bus takes you from whatever camping site you choose to the trail head for your hikes which really makes walking back to the tent cabin much easier.

We arrived on a Sunday evening and stayed in Curry Village's wooden framed canvas tent cabins. We had three single cot/mattress beds for the boys and a double bed for Bryan and me with a small dresser. We took warm sleeping bags plus blankets although bedding was provided. Each cabin had a Bear Locker for all food and smell good items (like toiletries) that kept our stash safe from roaming bears. Which, by the way, we did get to see during our time in Yosemite. That was a highlight and we were all super excited to see a California Brown Bear roaming through one of the fields in the middle of the valley. Luckily we were traveling by slowly on the bus and not venturing in that field!

Monday was filled with a 2 mile round trip hike to lower Yosemite Falls and then onto to another 2 mile roundtrip hike to Mirror Lake. I am happy to rep ort that all three children earned $1 for getting into Mirror Lake neck deep. Griff earned a few more bucks jumping off a huge rock into the water and swimming to the beach. Did I mention that Mirror Lake is water fresh off the snow melt from the surrounding mountains. The water was so cold that our feet hurt just sticking the tip of your toe in the water. It wasn't until a few minutes later when your feet became numb that you could actually hang out in the water! Funny Holt boys!!

Tuesday we all hiked up to the bridge at the base of Vernal Falls. Bryan, Griff and Isaac continued on their own toward Nevada Falls (3.6 miles to the base of Nevada Falls) while Noah and I wandered on the trail. I had no idea that Noah would hike the entire 3.6 miles up up up to the base of Nevada Falls. Bryan and the boys continued down to the top of Vernal Falls and then back up and down to the bridge and met up with Noah and I just after we had made the descent. At that point, the Mist Trail had opened to the top of Vernal Falls and we really wanted to try that. Noah charged ahead which surprised us all. We climbed climbed climbed the steep steps and it was well worth it (another 2 mile round trip)! Beautiful! Rainbows and water pouring over the falls and spraying us with every step! Many of the steps were as high as Noah's legs, but he managed to keep up perfectly. Can you believe that Noah hike 8 miles with me? Bryan, Griff & Isaac went an extra mile beyond that!! So fun! It was an amazing day!

Wednesday we enjoyed a lazy day at one of the beaches by Housekeeping Camp. The boys played in the water, we played a little catch with a football, had a picnic and read books. Very relaxing. Each night we drank hot chocolate, played Phase 10 and read book until we fell asleep.

I think we'll take this vacation every year! It was by far one of the best trips we've ever taken. I'm not sure the photos can accurately convey the beauty of Yosemite National Forrest!