I'll never forget my first impression of Yosemite . . . I was still in High school- ignorant, awkward, rebellious, and had just begun my third semester photography class. Our instructor, Mrs. Phillips, was one of the few teachers I listened to back then, simply because I adored the subject of photography! Makes sense right? Well, I remember walking in one day and watching her as she patiently stood in the back corner of our classroom and studied our reactions to a print that was slowly being passed around the room. “Write down, in a few sentences,” she stated, “your first impression of this piece.” Well, because I felt like this was a waste of our time, taking us away from my favorite part of the class- the dark room, I decided to grab a marker and sloppily write “PRETTY,” in order to quickly complete the assignment. When the print finally came my way I grabbed it, laid it on the table, and inspected the back of it- “Yosemite Valley Clearing Storm, 1942, Ansel Adams.” I then flipped it over, making the conscience decision to take it in for the first time. It was then that I realized that I had so much more to say. "Pretty," just didn't cover it.
That sentiment has never changed. I was awe-struck by that photo then and I'm awe-struck every time I revisit Yosemite, this trip was no exception.
So lets talk about this trip- Joe and I were invited through friends of ours, to come and camp with them on the Wawona side of Yosemite. After we had immediately agreed to go, I realized that this was going to be my third time within the 761,266 acre park and I couldn't wait.
DAY 1- Our Arrival.
This is the first sight one gets to see when coming out of the main tunnel. I often compare the feeling to the first time Dorothy steps out of her house and realizes she's not in Kansas anymore. It's surreal.
Joe and I, taking a moment to reflect. Our tent was just to the right of this photograph. The view was spectacular and there's nothing like the sound of water to lull you to sleep.
Day 2- Beach trip.
What? but Yosemite doesn't have a beach. Oh yes it does. Joe had discovered this sandy paradise on our first day in and we wasted no time getting to know it. Once there, we were surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and trees as we laid out in nothing but our bathing suits soaking up the sun's vitamin D, lying upon warm sand and beneath blue skies. Again, surreal.
The only thing missing from this is a Corona!
And when we were't starring at the view, we played Backgammon.
Day 3- The Camp.
There's nothing like a hot political debate between sips of wine in paper cups.
The debate became too heated for Hoshi, he quickly decided to stay out of it.
And I always love a good campfire. Always a great way to end the day . . . that and a bit of silly-time with the Kerosene lamp!
So there it is, in all its glory- "PRETTY." Honestly, I'll never find the perfect words for Yosemite. I'm ok with that. I think it's ok to be speechless at times. For now, my adjectives can be found within my lens.
"Everybody needs beauty as well
as bread, places to play in and
pray in, where nature may heal
and give strength to body and
soul alike."
- John Muir