Yosemite National Park

Thursday, 20.09.18:

After breakfast, we set off highly motivated to Yosemite National Park. The navigation system suggested the fastest route, the shortest route, or the most economical route. We chose the shortest route because it seemed the most beautiful and should lead us through the mountains. And so it did... higher and curvier every time, getting narrower and lonelier. It felt a bit strange at times, but oh well... onwards on the hairpin bends. We had a great time and joked, 'imagine if we can't go any further... hahaha'. And then it appeared... The gate with the sign: Road Closed. I wish I could have taken a photo of our expressions, but I was too shocked. After a brief moment of digesting this surprise, I was at least able to take a photo of the gate, knowing that we would laugh about it someday. I guided Stefan down the narrow dirt road for about 20 minutes until there was a chance to turn the car around. I had heart palpitations several times as I looked down the abyss... but everything was fine. Except for a 2 cm thick layer of dust on the back of the car, we survived the drive and arrived at Yosemite Park.

We continued (on paved) winding roads up to Glacier Point, with breathtaking views of the valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite High Country. The journey there already offered some beautiful view points of Half Dome, which could be seen most of the time due to its height of just under 2,700m and its distinctive shape. Afterwards, we drove down into the valley to see the whole thing from a different perspective: the Yosemite Valley made up for the hardships of the journey. The landscape is beautiful. The high granite cliffs rise steeply next to you in places. There are rivers, bridges, waterfalls, meadows, and many, many hiking trails. A wonderful landscape.

Kind regards, Steffi