Fri 29/6 – 11806 steps, with 3 flights, a 10km cycle
We packed up the RV, and drove down to the Yosemite Valley. It was a 54 mile long and winding road, with a lot of hectic drop offs with no railings. My worst nightmare.
The sight when you get down to the valley, however, is well worth the stress of the drive.
We parked our RV and headed off on our bicycles. The 13km of cycle trails which they advertise are in the Valley. We stopped to have breakfast first and while I was putting in my order on the automated system, it shut down. It was 10:50 and breakfast stops at 11 when lunch kicks in, so for 10 minutes you are in limbo. Very frustrating, especially when you haven’t eaten yet, your blood sugar is dropping and you are getting hangry!
Luckily there was a Starbucks, so after a ham and cheese croissant and coffee, calm was restored.
We rode on an awesome cycle track down to mirror lake. There were loads of people in the park, but it never felt too crowded, We stopped to look at a museum which had a replica of an Indian village and saw a coyote. Apart from the dude who kept telling us very loudly he had seen the “co-yo-te” catch a squirrel and the child who did not stop screaming from the time she entered the village till I don’t know when (I left), it was a very interesting display.
After our cycle, we drove for about an hour down to Mariposa Grove in the south. Here the shuttle was working. It took us to the start of the trail and we walked along the path amidst these ancient trees which was incredible. These sequoias are not as tall as the Coastal redwoods, but are much older and larger in volume. It was well worth the effort to see them.
Feeling re-energised from the trees, we had to drive the torturous road back to Tuolumne Meadows and out the east side of the park and then on to Mammoth Lakes. For the first time, we struggled to find a campsite, being the weekend before the 4th of July. Eventually we were going to hire a cabin. However, when we got to High Sierra Campground, we discovered the cabin was a wooden structure with 6 camp cots, nothing else for $85 a night. I said I would rather find a hotel. The lady at reception, Joyce, said she would make a plan and found a camp site where we could park our RV, no hook ups, but only $50 a night. I decided rather than take a chance for the weekend, we would book for 2 nights.
Highlights of the day: The cycle, the rocks, the waterfalls, the trees…..the whole awesome splendour of Yosemite.
What I learnt: I have had to ask myself why I enjoy rollercoasters and theme park rides, but get so stressed on roads on the side of a mountain with no guard rails. I have come to the conclusion it is a question of trust. I believe the theme park rides are safe and, therefore, I let go and relax, enjoying whatever comes my way. On the side of a mountain or as a passenger I have no control. Not a comfortable place for me. So I have to remind myself to:
– affirm: “The spirit of God goes before me, making safe and comfortable my journey”;
– trust that the driver also does not want to hurtle over the cliff;
– close my eyes and enjoy.
Kim's journey 