Treading carefully up the rock face, I placed my hands on the ground and moved like a lizard. It was high noon and the sunlight bounced off the glimmering snowmelt ahead. Navigating the snow was tricky, but once this part of the journey was over, I finally reached a lookout with panoramic views. This was mid-July in Yosemite.
When I placed my foot in the snow again, it completely broke through. I slipped down the slope a little bit before clamping my hands on a nearby rock. I had managed to get some snow inside my jacket, but instead of it being a nuisance, it was actually oddly refreshing. Finally, I was walking on hard rock again. Before I knew it, I was able to peer over the edge over a boulder and see an incredible view of the mountains and the forested valleys. It was a summer wonderland graced by the beauty of winter snows and quiet solitude.
I sat in silence for a few minutes, gazing at a distant mountain range. I made a quick sketch of the rugged scenery in my journal and then decided it was time for a midday snack. Munching on my Larabar, I wondered what other surprises Yosemite had in store for me that day.
Sincerely,
Yosemite National Park
With its sculpted granite rock formations, towering ancient sequoia trees and spectacular waterfalls, it's no wonder Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks in the world.
State(s): California
Established: 1890
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Greetings from Yosemite National Park
There are pictures of me sitting by Vernal Falls when I was eight. The funny thing is, I don't have a single memory of that hike. So, when my parents told me we were going to Yosemite National Park over the summer, I was excited to experience its magnificence again.…
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