And so I finally get time to write about my trip to the U.S. last year which took in a few days each in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and finally Los Angeles and what a trip.
Now what I want to share with you is not my experiences in those cities (although all they were all amazing and I may share at some point) but the very short time that I spent in Yosemite National Park on its 150th Anniversary year, What a very special place.
For the first part of my trip I spent four days in San Francisco doing all the tourist things and had a brilliant time on Fisherman's Wharf, visited Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and eaten the local Sourdough Bread from the Boudin Bakery.
And what else can I say other than I fell in love with the place and wish to return at some point to repeat the experience, as the song says "I left my heart in San Francisco"
Before flying out I had arranged a one day trip to Yosemite with a local tour company (Extranomical tours) as I thought it would be the most convenient way to see as much as possible within the national park in the shortest possible time as there wasn't going to be time for any overnight stay I had to cram things in a bit.
After being picked up by the transport from the hotel at 06:30 and collecting a few other passengers on the way we made our way on the long drive out of the city and down into the San Joaquin Valley, through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the old gold rush town Groveland and then Past Yosemite Creek to the Valley. It was a long drive with a couple of rest breaks and one at a local Supermarket (Grocery Store in the U.S.) where I picked up a few supplies and a huge sandwich from the Deli counter to eat a little later.
Now what I want to share with you is not my experiences in those cities (although all they were all amazing and I may share at some point) but the very short time that I spent in Yosemite National Park on its 150th Anniversary year, What a very special place.
For the first part of my trip I spent four days in San Francisco doing all the tourist things and had a brilliant time on Fisherman's Wharf, visited Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and eaten the local Sourdough Bread from the Boudin Bakery.
And what else can I say other than I fell in love with the place and wish to return at some point to repeat the experience, as the song says "I left my heart in San Francisco"
Before flying out I had arranged a one day trip to Yosemite with a local tour company (Extranomical tours) as I thought it would be the most convenient way to see as much as possible within the national park in the shortest possible time as there wasn't going to be time for any overnight stay I had to cram things in a bit.
After being picked up by the transport from the hotel at 06:30 and collecting a few other passengers on the way we made our way on the long drive out of the city and down into the San Joaquin Valley, through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the old gold rush town Groveland and then Past Yosemite Creek to the Valley. It was a long drive with a couple of rest breaks and one at a local Supermarket (Grocery Store in the U.S.) where I picked up a few supplies and a huge sandwich from the Deli counter to eat a little later.
It took a total of around four hours to reach the park and from there we stopped at the entrance to Toulumne Grove.
So at around 1pm I began the one mile hike down to the Giant Sequoia's and by now the sun is hot and making a nuisance of itself so between sips of water I take in the scenery.
After a good look around at these enormous old trees I took many photos to try and capture there size then started on my way back up to the track and by now the heat made the 1 mile and 400ft of ascent quite challenging.
Eventually reaching the top it was time to move on. Another short ride to see Tunnel View.
Eventually reaching the top it was time to move on. Another short ride to see Tunnel View.
Having stood in awe at this view for a while I decided I have to hike out there and climb this one day until then I am content with just seeing it.
Next on the rounds was to be a visit to the foot of El Capitan then on to Bridalveil Falls more sights I needed to see.
Next on the rounds was to be a visit to the foot of El Capitan then on to Bridalveil Falls more sights I needed to see.
El Capitan, another impressive sight.
Next it was on to Bridalveil Falls which because of the time of year was a little feeble compared to how I've seen it in pictures in full flow.
Next it was on to Bridalveil Falls which because of the time of year was a little feeble compared to how I've seen it in pictures in full flow.
So it's now 3pm and I've got two hours free time in the Yosemite Valley near to Yosemite Lodge and the first thing I'm going to do is enjoy my Man v's Food sized sandwich lunch down by the Merced River.
After lunch I had enough time left to explore a little more of the valley floor then decided to call at the Ahwahnee Hotel as I had read a little about it on the journey over to Yosemite.
So as I get back on the bus I've plenty of time to reflect on what I've seen of Yosemite National Park and one day wish to return and spend some time here.
You get to see the landscape in a different perspective on the return journey as the sun begins to set.
You get to see the landscape in a different perspective on the return journey as the sun begins to set.
And at this point I have to say a big thank you to the tour guide Joe Benham who really helped make the most of the time available and with his encyclopaedic knowledge of the area gave a great insight into the history, geography and amazing sights Yosemite has to offer and I will be back.
And as one final surprise Joe stopped the bus to take in the view of the San Francisco Bay Bridge by night.
So my final message would be if you find yourself in San Francisco and have a day to spare then visit Yosemite National park you will not regret it.
Thanks for taking the time to read if you got this far of course and hope to share my travels with you again soon.
Andy :-)
Thanks for taking the time to read if you got this far of course and hope to share my travels with you again soon.
Andy :-)