YNP - Day 2 / Three Hikes

Many will say that their main "Pathway to God" is simply being outside in nature and observing what a beautiful world He has created.  Going for a walk - or camping - or just being outdoors for any chunk of time will do wonders for their Spirit and for their attitudes toward everything!  Well, in a place like Yosemite, it is completely understandable how people are strengthened in their Faith and in their Assurance of God's presence in their lives.  For those who have the eyes to see:  This whole park is an amazing display of God's power and design - it is simply Nature at it's finest!!  And what a Gift it truly is - directly from His Heart of Beauty and Grace to ours...

Needless to say, today was a strengthening day for our family!!  We had the opportunity to take Three Hikes - and all six of us enjoyed the privilege of being together in this wonderful place.  It was Friday, so we had to battle a few more crowds today, but we were still able to take in the immense beauty set before us as well as enjoy each other's company as a family...

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Hike 1:  Mariposa Grove.

We trekked uphill for almost 2 miles to see various Giant Sequoia trees - many several hundred years old.  We could see that most of these trees were simply survivors.  There are lots of scars visible due to fires and the passing of time.  But these trees are majestic and awesome to behold...

Hike 2:  Bridalveil Falls. 

This was a short and more crowded hike - to the base of a beautiful waterfall that looks just like it is named.  When the wind hit just right, the water would fan out beautifully!! It is an incredible sight to see the stream fall and mist its way down the side of the cliff...

A Little Lunch:  

The highlight was Josh being pooped on by a loud and confident Blue Jay!!

Hike 3:  Yosemite Falls.

Also a bit crowded, but arriving just below what we are told is the tallest waterfall in North America was definitely a very cool thing to experience!  The kids took the opportunity to do some rock climbing.  They went up higher than what Martha would say she was comfortable with - but they came back with that "look" that said they had a great adventure - and a lot of fun!

Tomorrow we head to San Francisco - and to the first of many California cities that we will be visiting...