This Land Belongs to Us!

First things first .  .  .  Happy Anniversary to us!  Today marks 48 years that Ron has been putting up with me.  Back in 1969, we were just babies but didn’t realize it at the time.  

Since the early bird gets the parking spot, we got an early start to the park today.  After securing a space in one of the public lots, we headed to the lodge for a proper breakfast.   Transportation for the remainder of the day was the park trolley system, which helps reduce the number of vehicles on the roads. 

At 9:00 we were seated on a bench in order to live-stream Emma at the NBHA Florida State Championships.  Silly concept, but it allowed us to feel connected.  Nice clean run but we think she and Big Mike will better their time tomorrow.  Good luck, Emma!.

This river scene called to us, even before we looked up, then we realized we were seeing El Capitan from another angle.  

 I checked the view, straight up that is, while Ron searched the face with binoculars since we had seen hikers carrying climbing ropes.   He found three different climbers at various heights.  

A short hike to the open meadow gave us a view of the peaks dubbed the Three Brothers.  John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt would be proud that their prediction that millions of people would visit Yosemite has become a reality.  We certainly have them to thank for having the vision to set aside millions of acres as National Parks assuring that every day Americans would have access in the pursuit of happiness. 

However, one must look all the way back to President Lincoln, who in 1864 had the foresight to recognize the significance of Yosemite, set aside the land to be preserved and managed by the State of California.  This land belongs to us!

 With Swinging Bridge in the foreground, Upper and  Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls were the star attraction as immeasurable quantities of water cascaded over the rock face and thundered on the rocks below.  









Our only disappointment was not being able to see the Giant Sequoias since Mariposa Grove has been closed since 2015 for renovations.  And, of course, we wished Tioga Pass had been open to allow greater access to areas such as Tuolumne Meadows. What an amazing experience!