Typically, things take longer than you anticipate and seldom do you ever leave on time. We got away a bit later than planned and headed to Yosemite for our next site-seeing stop on the way to Seattle. We ran into a traffic jam, which we eventually realized was the line to get into the park. We crawled along at breakneck speed (for a handicapped snail) and after an hour actually saw the gate where you pay your entrance fees. Once inside, traffic thinned out some as each went their own way to explore the beauty of this place.
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| When you are stopped, you can take lots of pics of the side of the road. |
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| There is hope! |
After turning out at a couple of vistas to view the valley and surrounding rock formations, El Capitan and Half Dome included, we eventually landed at the path to Bridalveil Falls. Having a handicap placard does come in handy at the height of tourist season. We parked right across from the start of the path, ate our picnic, then hiked (and in some cases, hobbled) in. Because of such huge snowfalls and cooler temperatures, there was still a lot of water rushing over the 4000 foot high falls. The hike in takes you over bridges and along well-worn paths, with lush green overhead and on every side. The falls and the ubiquitous mist are magnificent. It is a challenge, however, to snap a nature shot with all those other pesky picture-takers getting in the way. I guess no one got the memo about this being a private party.
Kelly, Erin, and I meandered to the car while Seth and Danny climbed on misty, slime-covered rocks, vying to be the 15th and 16th fatalities of Yosemite National Park’s 2011 season. However, since I didn’t see that precarious hike, it didn’t exist.
Note to self: Don’t visit Yosemite in the summer when everyone else in the world is in attendance.
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| Heading back to the car |
After winding our way out of the park, admiring the views along the way and making urgent potty runs, we headed north. Our destination was Colfax, CA, where we planned to spend the night with some more friends. These we had not seen for at least 15 years, except of course on Facebook. Mildred, our British-speaking GPS lady, took us on the scenic route. If we had been crows, it perhaps may have been the shortest course; but after all the twists and turns and bumps (Who knew state roadways used speed bumps!) out in the northern California farmlands, our stomachs were a bit queasy and the sun was settling mighty low in the sky. By the time we landed at the Begins, it was dark and the deer were out playing dodge ball with moving vehicles. We arrived safely, quickly set up the tent, and still had time for some music and conversation. Phil and Gail’s daughter Annie entertained us with Bach and breakdowns on her gorgeous 1776? violin. Seth sang the song on the piano that he had written and sung to Erin at their wedding. We had gotten there too late to hear the whole Begin family band or for more contributions from the Green contingent, but maybe next time. When Annie hauled out her cello, Danny started salivating. He got to experiment on an instrument that has always been on his wish list; but it is a bit overwhelming to think that these instruments, and even the bows, individually cost more than his best electric guitar.
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| Gail took this pic and wasn't sure if he was loving it or not. |
Note to Danny: Save your pennies.
The kids abandoned Kelly and me for the safety and comfort of beds inside and indoor plumbing. Maybe it was the talk of bears, skunks, mountain lions, deer, and other wild animals that scared them off, but Kelly and I braved the wilds of almost-rural Colfax on our air mattress, pee bottles at the ready. You could hear the pitter patter of deer feet close by as they munched on the Begin foliage, but by first light when I tried to get a picture, they had run for cover. No bears or skunks were on hand for the party.
Gail made us a yummy breakfast and after another round of picture-taking, we were off on our trek to Oregon.
The LEG leg of the journey to follow……………………………………….
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