Venture On: Yosemite August 23

I want to preface that this is a long one. It covers Yosemite, some of Mirmosa, and my pup.

I arrived in Oakland California and was greeted by my sister and her boyfriend, James, strolling up in a nice new rented Nissan. First stop: Burritos for dinner.

While catching up with them both, we began to talk about Yosemite. This is something I've been wanting to do for a while. James has been too, so we were pumped up looking at trails and maps. See below for the trail map. With the clock hitting midnight in just a few ticks, we decided that we would make the 3+ hour drive the very next morning.

We decided to head all the way to the Eastern side of Yosemite to hit these trails. On the drive we passed some pretty harsh landscapes of burnt trees. This was kind of upsetting to see but somehow we still had an appreciation for it. It is as if Mother Nature was saying, 'Hey! Don't forget I'm here and could very easily take this away from you!!'

Knowing we only have one day here, we were trying to plan the hike with the best views for our short span of time. The three of us argued and kept offering new ideas of how we could spend our day. We continuosly shrugged off each others suggestions. There are a number of day hikes to choose from. As soon as we took the first turn inside of the ever so long park entrance, silence was among us. All three of us let vulgar words roll off our tongues. We no longer cared because we knew whatever we did that day, it would be amazing.

If driving through the park entrance wasn't enough of a majestic and inspiring sight, the hikes themself had so much more to offer.

First step..parking. It was a challenge. We ventured on into the Mist Trail trekking through to Vernail Falls. It was only a 1.5 mile hike and only had us elevate by foot about 1-1.5K feet. Our elevation from sea level was approximately 5,100ft. This trail had multiple lookouts with spectacular geography, mainly composed of large rock formations. It was an awesome view.

Approaching our destination we were presented a fall that crashes into clear waters below. An ever so sweet rainbow was inviting all the visitors at the bottom of the waterfall.

This was not the end of the trail but we decided to hike back to reach the second trail, Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake is known for the lake which sometimes acts as a mirror for the Half Dome. You can see it's reflection. Unfortunately we couldn't see this because there was no water. Fortunately we went into where the lake would be, and got even more clear views of the Half Dome. Oddly enough you couldn't actually see the half dome, because we were on the side that looks like it was a sphere cut in half. James described it well. Either way, it was still a fantastic view. :D This trail was a flat hike so it was easy to walk this area. Awesome views of the formations surrounding us.

Now as promised to the P-town Guys... I you made it here with me.

This time I was sure to not hold you sideways. 😄

All the way guys from start to finish, got you by my side!

We headed back with the sun beginning to go down. On our walk back to the car we ran into some visitors. Check this out.

We were pretty damn close. By close I mean with reaching distance. There was actually a boy who was putting his hand in them but that could have probably back fired on him. They must be so used to the people around the area. They were so calm and gentle. Must not forget that they are very powerful animals. ;-)

We then headed off and stopped at a restaurant called 1840, scarfed down some glazed salmon, and finally arrived at Sierra Mountain Lodge, our B&B. We open the car doors and our jaws dropped. The last time I saw a sky this clear was.. never. I've seen clear skies before, but not like this. We showered up, got some wine and chatted outside under the stars.

At first we thought the sky had clouds, but what it really was, at least what we think it was, was the Milky Way galaxy. In the pictures below there is a consistent form you can see taking shape. The pictures aren't great but definitely helps describe what we saw that night.

I went inside to grab my camera, ( tried a bunch of settings for the crap lenses I have haha). I was able to capture some pretty crazy pictures that had the sky full of stars that we had no clue exhisted.

I was texting Kat and saying how the skies were gorgeous. I really wish she was able to be here right now. Sometimes I think that the moon is going to be our connection when we can't talk while I'm away. Eventually, we may both be able to see it at the same time. Cheesy? 😂👏 I can't wait to have a sky over us whether it be clear or rainy. Just need the sky.

So this next part I think is humorous. I was typing this while laying in bed and I'm not 100% sure what I was trying to say. Any help translating would be appreciated. 'Lastly, you know I'm going to stick OSS to this kind.

What a way to end a great day. :D time for bed! I am Soooo tired.

Thanks Hames and Sharna???;(('

With that, I went to bed.

The following morning we went into the lobby of the B&B. They had a cool map with pins showing where all their visitors one from. We added our own pins. Shayna laughed at me for adding two pins but I really think that KU and Ptown have a spot in my heart. The two yellow pins are the ones I placed! I think you can figure out what yellow ones I mean.

I had a conversation with Jon, the owner of the B&B. I asked how he likes it and his response was that he loves meeting people from all around the world. We had a good conversation about the people you meet along the way. I then spoke about my journey and where it is taking me. He wished me luck and we were on out way. It's small interactions like that, that make me appreciate every little thing I encounter. Such as the little old lady from the town of Mirmosa. Her name was Miriam and she ran Miriam's Shop, full I chocolates and antiques. She spoke about the bridge in San Fran, how she remembers it before the bridge, and how she loved talking to us young folk. She was such a kind hearted woman. So kind she didn't tax me on the post card I bought! Heads up R281. Your first one is on it's way soon! This town was a nifty little one though! Tons if history here.

Three hours later and a long nap. We arrived back in Oakland. We started to make dinner and had some of James and Shayna's friends over. They were all awesome characters. Reminde me of what I have with my buddies. We had some intense conversations on the ALS Bucket challenge, traveling, and just some funny stories in general. Good people with good ambition. Afterwards, Shayna and I received some text messages about my dog. He has not been doing well, which made it hard to say bye to him when I left. He has cancer. Vanessa, my other sister, text us to let us know the updates. TyTy was in for emergency care. For those who don't know, I call him (along with my sisters), 'Stupid Head'. He is such a doofy dog. I miss that white faced old man. Feels like yesterday I was spinning him on the hard wood floor when he was a puppy. Feel better TyTy! I know you already know this, as dumb as you are.. But I love you buddy!!!! Skippy please take care of the old man, you little white rat! 😢