E phatlaladitšwe: 11.11.2016
After a few days in New York, we took a domestic flight to Fresno, California, from where we drove to Yosemite National Park with a rental car.
The beautiful landscapes of California already impressed us, although we couldn't yet imagine how beautiful it would be in the park itself. After a three and a half hour drive and a stop at a supermarket for self-catering in Yosemite National Park, we finally arrived. On the way to our hotel, we were immediately able to catch one of the gigantic views that attract masses of tourists, namely the Tunnel View. In the first moment, you are blown away by all the impressive beauty that nature has to offer here:
But we had to quickly continue to the hotel, because we were already a bit exhausted from the flight and driving. So we drove to Yosemite Valley Lodge, one of the few affordable and good hotels in the park itself. So this is a tip for everyone who doesn't like camping but still wants to stay in the park. The rooms are newly renovated and ecologically sustainable designed and regularly have a balcony or a terrace.
After resting in the room, we took a short walk in the valley and just relaxed until the next day, when we wanted to explore the park in its full splendor.
Early the next morning, we went to the Tunnel View again for sunrise.
After that, we drove to an even more impressive view, Glacier Point.
From here, you have the perfect view of the so-called Half Dome, the most famous and imposing mountain in Yosemite National Park. The beauty of nature fascinated all tourists so much that no one dared to speak loudly in order not to disturb the silence of the moment.
Afterwards, we explored the rest of the park by car. For those who are staying longer in Yosemite National Park, it is recommended to go hiking. That is a completely different experience. However, if, like us, you only spend one day there effectively, you can easily reach all the viewpoints by car, get out there and enjoy nature from there.
For example, we drove by car to this beautiful place, quite far from Glacier Point, at Tenaya Lake, which is another one of our personal highlights of the park:
In the evening, we returned to the hotel completely amazed by all the great impressions and were able to leave the next day with these beautiful memories.
By the way, if you want to see a bear there. It is unlikely that you will spot one, as they usually withdraw from humans, but with a bit of luck, it can work out. We saw one in the distance during our drive with our car. Unfortunately, this short moment was not enough for a photo, but at least for another beautiful memory.
For anyone who wants to collect such memories and impressions and is a fan of beautiful nature, Yosemite National Park is the place to be.
Yours Claudia and Peter