I got the Yosemite bug, and simply had to drive up and see my most favorite place. On the way up Highway 395, I stopped at Independence Creek, where they have a great campsite on the creek. I've been coming here for over 10 years and each time, I am amazed by its beauty.
After Independence Creek I continued driving up Highway 395 and then stopped in Bishop Creek, where I stayed for a week. So amazing. My campsite was right here, right on the water. I love hearing the sound of the creek rolling by. Never get tired of it.
After finally making it to Yosemite, I stopped at the river to take a selfie!
My campsite was in a Forest Service campground outside of Yosemite National Park, just a 10 minute drive to the entrance, with this unbelievable view!
It rained a lot in the afternoons and evenings at Yosemite. However, I have a bed made up in the back of my Subaru so I stayed dry. After it finally cleared and the evening sun broke through, I leaned out of my car and took this picture of the tangerine clouds and dark trees above my head.
The following morning, with a deep feeling of expectation, I drove up to Yosemite National Park. Everything was just as I remembered it to be. Clear, cold water, trees and to my surprise, golden reflections in the still water near the road. Immediately I felt peace, just like I did long, long ago when as a child I first camped in Yosemite with my Aunt Dorothy, siblings and cousins.
Cruising through the park, I stopped at Lembert Dome, located in the high country of Yosemite. This huge granite slab rises 800 feet above Tuolumne Meadows for a total elevation of over 9000 feet high. At one time in my life I hiked to the top, which for me was a very difficult hike. My first try failed and years later I hiked up with a ranger and made it to the top! That won't be happening now!
This trip I took the hike in Tuolumne Meadows which leads up to Lyell Canyon. It connects with the PCT and later on the John Muir trail, neither of which I have completed!
I passed this boulder field and was fascinated by how different it looked from the surrounding area. It felt like I had been transported to the moon.
To me, this is Yosemite. Clouds, trees, mountains and water. It doesn't get much better than this.
A pothole along Lyell Creek. Whenever I see these pictures it makes me want to go back and camp in Yosemite. Then I remember how cold it was in the morning, 35 degrees, and how I couldn't even light my stove as my hands wouldn't work.
One little purple flower, growing so strong and graceful in the morning sun.
A swimming hole in Lyell Creek beckons me. As a younger more courageous woman, I would have jumped in and swam around for 30 seconds. Now, I just look and take pictures!
Looking past the purple lumen, you can see clear to the bottom of the creek. The clouds and trees are reflected in the clean water.
On my way home from Yosemite National Park, I stopped at the Lone Pine Visitor Center and took this picture from the parking lot. In the distance you can see the Sierra Nevada Mountains with Mt Whitney on the far right. Mt Whitney rises to an elevation of 14,505 feet. I admire anyone who has had the guts and the stamina to make it to the top. Blessings to you and yours! May your days and nights be filled with beauty, peace and God's great love. Susan Little