That’s what I was last weekend upon entering Yosemite Valley.  I’d honestly never been so inspired and completely awed by anything in such a way.

We did a lot of driving, stopping, walking and meandering during our visit.  The mist of Bridalveil Falls on our face was a kick for the kids, as was hopping on rocks and trying not to fall into the creek.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch on a deserted beach along the Merced River, feeding crusts of bread (and the occasional Cheese-It) to a duck family.  The kids skipped rocks and we basked in the sunshine with an occasional eye into the wooded area for bears.  We visited the store in Yosemite Village, drove to the Awahanee and stood with a crowd of onlookers as a few specks climbed up the face of El Capitan.  Or El Cap as we call it!

On of our last stops of the day was to Yosemite Falls.  We strolled through the trees, along the creek and over the bridge to the base of the falls.  The first section at top was so powerful the water flew off the top while the second fall below was a heavy cascade into a misty pool at the river.  Walking the other direction back to the car we turned to look and was rewarded by a spectacular view of both falls.  It was amazing.

Yosemite Falls

We drove towards the exit of the park with the sunroof  open and one of the kids pointed to the top and said “Stop!”  We pulled over and looked up and El Cap was like a granite wall above us.  We all got out of the car and took pictures, marveling at how incredibly MASSIVE that wall of granite was.

If you have not had a chance to get to Yosemite, I implore you to take a trip.  You can stay outside of the park at a reasonably priced hotel and make the 45 minute drive into the park itself.  Bring comfy shoes, snacks, water, your camera and most importantly, your inner 12 year old self.   You won’t regret the trip!

Now go run!

Keli 🙂