Yosemite

4:30 am, is an early start for us. Noah and Zack were able to sleep for most of the five hour drive to Yosemite. Ben doesn't sleep as much but that could be because he is too busy eating unhealthy amounts beef jerky. 

We have never been to Yosemite and the navigation in the car was "unable to find destination." So we were relying on our phones for directions. We weren't too worried until we made a questionable turn onto a small and deserted state road and then lost cell coverage. We didn't see any stores or other cars for hours. We did stop at the deserted tent mining town of Palmetto for a pee break. 

And drove on the greatest stretch of road we've ever driven. It was like an amusement park ride. 

You know when you drive over a hill and it takes your stomach away. This road had hill after hill after hill. And since there were no other cars and the road was really smooth Matt could take them really fast. We'd go back to Yosemite just to drive on that road again. 

Eventually we came upon some civilization. It was a relief to see some farms and signs showing that we were heading the right direction toward Yosemite. We came in through the Tioga Pass entrance and traveled through Inyo National Forest. 

We all got a kick out of that name. Maybe it was being awake so early, but our favorite Q&A for the day: "Hey, where are we?" "In yo' National Forest" Ha ha, get it? It might require too much time in the car and a little sleep depravity to find it funny.

Our first stop before entering the park: the Whoa Nellie Deli. These should be everywhere. What a great name. 

 

 A picturesque breakfast spot:

  

 This is the start of Tioga Pass. 

 Zack gets a little nervous on the climbs. We ended up at over 10000 feet. 

 It goes without saying, but Yosemite is beautiful. We stopped for a little wade in a lake that I thought I would remember the name of and I just can't. It could be Tenaya. 

 I waited too long to blog this and now I don't know what is what. We followed a map and saw things and took pictures. It's anyone's guess what exactly the pictures are of. Shoot! 

 

 I am reasonably certain this is was taken on our little hike to view Bridalveil Falls. 

 This photo is a little awkward but you can see it better. 

Prior to the trip, I was feeling nostalgic for the way we traveled when I was little so I decided that we'd pack a lunch and picnic while in Yosemite. All the tables were taken, but we still managed to find a decent spot to eat. 

 Some pictures while we were driving through Yosemite Valley:

 If you like waterfalls, this is a great place to be. The kids loved spotting all the different waterfalls. Some were especially spectacular. 

 The drive up to Glacier Point is not for the faint of heart or the impatient.  That is one windy and narrow road! It was scary to go up and scarier to drive down. But it was worth it. The view of Yosemite is outstanding. 

 Zack and I were behind the others and I had a moment of panic when I saw Noah. But then I remembered who it was and that Noah is as afraid of heights and ledges as I am, so I knew he wasn't in danger.

Notice all of the waterfalls. 

Ben got this shot of Matt & I having a serious conversation about our pose for this photo. Obviously I was sitting in the wrong spot. Hmm?

 Standing poses are less controversial.  

Zack's favorite animal is the fox. He knows all sort of facts about foxes and was hoping we might see one on our trip. As we were leaving the park, a car ahead of use was stopped in the middle of the road. The reason? 

Zack was so excited, especially since he made eye contact with it. 

*It could also be a coyote.

I highly recommend taking a trip to Yosemite. It is an amazing place.