Day 47

Of all the places I have traveled so far, Yosemite Valley is the most ludicrously beautiful. My second day here confirmed this; there is no angle, no perspective, which does not convey grandeur and wonder. The trees are tall, and the granite taller. I encourage everyone to visit, except those who have neck problems. You need to look up most of the time.

My hike today was also the best I’ve taken so far. It was a baby hike, a scant two miles round-trip, but it changed from bend to bend, the rock clusters and varied foliage keeping me engaged and stimulated. Squirrels scampered freely, and Stellar’s jays wore dreamy blue plumage. The main attraction, Mirror Lake, had evaporated away, leaving a sandy bed from which to appreciate the surroundings. I think I was near Half Dome, but frankly it’s all incredible.

Yosemite Falls had run dry for the season, so my last stop was Tunnel View. El Capitan, Half Dome, et al are on full display here; this is where the most famous and scenic photos of the park were taken. My skills as a writer are insufficient to describe it. It may be indescribable. I’ll put it this way: I haven’t felt a desire to draw since I was very, very young, but I sat down for a full half hour and sketched the view. It was the only way I could respond to it.

I’ve slingshotted around Fresno, which is another strange valley city that ends without sprawl. You’re in it, and then you’re not. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a stupid frog game on my iPad to play.