Travel: Yosemite National Park (2017)

In 2017, my parents decided to fly me out to California to get me away from a negative situation I was in. I was able to go on a lot of adventures while I was out there, but one of my favorite places that we went to was Yosemite Park. I have wanted to go to Yosemite Park for a long time, ever since I started studying film photography and came across Ansel Adams and his inspiration, John Muir.

It is said that these two knew more about Yosemite than anyone else, having documented it through photography for years. It held a special place in both of their hearts, and as soon as my parents and I arrived, I could see why.

El Capitan, pictured above, is one of the most photographed cliff faces on Earth. It is one of the welcoming landmarks when entering Yosemite Park, and you can see Yosemite Falls to the left of it in the image above. These sights are extremely easy to get to, as this area of the park is the most visited by tourists, it features paved roads and scenic paved trails that are easily accessible for those with mobility issues.

My parents used to live in California (and now they do again), so it was extra special being able to enjoy Yosemite with them since they had experienced eyes and knew where to go.

Love my parents! Also, here's proof below that I do, indeed, exist. My dad had dared me to climb this rock... so I did.

Yosemite Falls is the most well-known waterfall of Yosemite National Park, hence the name. 

It has gorgeous drops in the falls, and you can venture further in if you want to see the falls from different angles. In the image below, I am standing on the bridge that goes over the river created by the waterfall, and I am photographing the last drop of Yosemite Falls.

There is one other major waterfall I was able to admire during my time at Yosemite National Park in 2017.

Bridalveil Falls is across the way from El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, and the amount of mist it creates at the bottom of its drop almost seems to transport you into another world. 

It's kind of interesting how the coloring of the atmosphere changes when you're in the mist. All of a sudden the world becomes more purple-blue, and the mist rises all around you almost creating a haze.

It's very surreal to stand there, but forewarning - you will get wet from the spray! There were some tourists there who were complaining about getting wet from the waterfall, which I found amusing. Waterfalls are made of...water... after all. Plus, you can literally stand at the edge of the pool of Bridalveil, but that doesn't mean you have to!

The image below is of Bridalveil from the trail to Yosemite Falls.

The image to the left is of a redwood and a young great Sequoia tree growing right next to each other .- pretty cool right? Eventually one will probably win in the battle for survival. When I go this weekend, I plan on checking on these trees and seeing the progression of their growth. They are at the base of Bridalveil Falls!

Yosemite is home to so many beautiful sights. Looking through the photos below, I remember how humbled I felt standing amongst the tall cliff faces with the trees and open meadow spaces surrounding me. 

It's truly a magical experience, and if you're lucky enough to ever visit Yosemite, please take the time to enjoy yourself. I'm so excited that I get to share this experience with Jeremy this weekend, plus we will be getting a National Park Pass as well.

We will also be going to Sequoia National Park this weekend (literally the cost of an annual National Park Pass is less expensive than paying the admission to both parks). Plus, we have Rocky Mountain National Park right at home!