Trying2beVegan

I was looking forward to exploring the famous US national park even before me and my best friend Joe set off on our adventure in America. To me it is a national park that everyone and their dog has heard of, but few have dared to venture there from my own side of the pond to explore.

It was the first stop on our road trip from Frisco. We cruised there after picking up the rental from the airport. The night before spent in Sacramento was less than suited for driving the next day but by the time we had arrived at the airport on a budget megabus, the cloudiness of the head from the night before had left us and I was ready to take the wheel.

We rolled out of Frisco heading east and north towards Yosemite and after a nervy start it being my first time driving amongst the heavy bay traffic the roads mellowed out as we got further away from the city and further into the wilderness. The drive was pleasant and arriving at our hostel in time for dinner we washed up and made some grub to help fuel us for the early start the next day.

5am always comes too soon one thinks. This is a little known fact as not many people are mad enough to wake up at this time, but we were spurred on by excitement to hike and the necessity to get to the park early. We watched the sun rise as we drove into the national park, slowly the winding road is swallowed up in large evergreen trees that create an ominous shadowy atmosphere. Through tunnels and rock faces the bends of the road curve in and out giving glimpses of natural spectacles. Its hard to not be in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds you in this vast wilderness. The rocks, trees, rivers, sky and clouds all collude to present the most beautiful scene you will see. More gracious than any man made composition, Mother Nature the artist casts a awe inspiring vision upon the retinas of those that wish to bear witness.

We stopped for a coffee when we had parked up to fuel our day a planned 8 mile hike didn’t sound too taxing until we were lost a few times ( always half the fun is getting lost) and 8 quickly became 12+. This was slightly worrying as we were running low on fuel for ourselves. We both managed to push on through and I loved every second. I took deep breaths and drank in the fantastical surroundings like someone who has not drank for too long. Theres a phrase thats banded around in the UK that everything is bigger in America and thats true in Yosemite the wilderness extends far beyond where the eye can see so much space hardly touched by man. In my home country its hard to get to anywhere that isn’t in spitting distance of civilisation.

The rule of nature is still present in Yosemite with roaming coyotes strolling along minding their own business in the mid day sun. Looking like majestic creatures as they skip alone or in small packs. Water still cascades and carves its natural path through the valley like it has for millennia.

The day I spent trekking around Yosemite will always have a special place in my heart as an amazing day, spent with a true friend out in the wild. Back to basics walking, talking and enjoying natures spoils of sunshine and friendship. Hopefully one day soon I shall find myself back there among the trees of the Yosemite valley. But until then my friends I shall have to deal with the Yosemite blues…