Friday we went on an adventure. Bryson and Sam met at my house at 7am and off we went to meet up with Angela who then began our drive to Yosemite. We started in the Wowona area and did the Wowona Swinging Bridge. It was a 1/4 mile walk and then we spent a long time playing in the pools in the river. The water was FREEZING. Beyond cold. The kind of cold you get in and become instantly numb. Took me about an hour to get the guts to go all the way in but it was worth it since it was so hot outside, that, and the water was crystal clear awesome green colors.
We then headed to dinner and to do some grocery shopping for the weekend. Finally we arrived at our airbnb in Mariposa. The rest of the group: Abby, Schroder, Andrew, and Kory arrived around midnight.
The next morning we got up and headed to Glacier Point. It took a long time to get there and we had to use the shuttles because the park was very crowded however that was helpful because Angela is scared of mountain roads and switchbacks so it was a nice break for her. The lookout at Glacier Point is worth it and you should all go. The Panorama Trail which we couldn't find on a map and no one seemed to know about also starts from Glacier Point. So in the future pack your lunch and day packs, head to Glacier Point and do the Panorama Trail. We then headed to Taft point which is a view that is straight down cliffs. Those with serious fears of heights need not apply.
After a hike back we re-boarded the shuttle and made out way down the mountain to Bridal Viel falls- this was like being in Disneyland. There were SO many people and it was SO crowded. We decided to just avoid the Yosemite Valley entirely until a different time of year- something I would suggest for anyone coming in July.
We headed home and made dinner, played board games, and watched the sunset from out patio.
Sunday morning we got up early and headed to Tenaya Lake- about an hour point five into the park. The lake is also COLD and the air temp is much cooler up there. We had to walk through snow, yes SNOW, in JULY, to get to the lake. That was trippy. There is a beach end on one side of the lake and it is clear water. Just note there are mosquitoes, lots of them so bring bug spray! It was very pretty. We then did a little hike on the Murphy Trail, also full of snow. For this hike I wish I had my bathing suit because there is a fun river to play in however here there are SWARMS of mosquitoes like I have never seen before. Abby got bit over 20 times on one arm alone.
The boys then left to drive home and we headed to the meadows. You need to go to Tuloume Meadows and a little further past them to this river spot. PICTURE PERFECT. Insanely gorgeous and peaceful. I would suggest having a picnic here, then hiking, then jumping in the lake.
We then headed to a hotel for the night in Fresno where we had goofy girl talk and laid there trying not to die since the air wasn't working.
Monday morning we got up early and headed to Kings Canyon and Sequoias National Park. We saw the General Grant tree- I think we might be the only ones who can walk a circle loop trail and miss the tree... it's only the biggest tree in the world. So we had to do the loop again to find it. It is crazy how large the trees are! The weather was perfect, we had shade, and there were very few people in the park. We really enjoyed out time Monday. After this we made our way into the Sequoias and saw General Sherman. He is massive! We also did a drive through a tunnel made from a fallen tree, went to Crescent Meadows and walked the peaceful trails.. this spot is a must. Oh and Morro rock! It is this massive rock- more like a mountain that you climb through, in, and on the sides, up 400 stairs to a crazy steep high view of everything. Make sure you do this!
