May 19 Yosemite was one of my most anticipated days. I have been looking forward to visiting Ansel Adams' stomping grounds since I first heard of him, and I was so excited to see one of the most celebrated national parks.
It did not disappoint.
Our entrance, as told through Day 13's post, was a disgustingly windy road. But the views made it worth it.
I drove us into Yosemite, a feat I did with a grin on my face. The road was a little windy, but mainly, it was just incredibly dangerous. It was dangerous in its distracting beauty; I had to make sure I wasn't just staring at the scenery and that I managed to even glance at the road once or twice. (Don't worry, dear sweet friends and family and mainly Grandma, I was very safe and cautious.. Almost as if you were right behind, making sure I did it all right ;))
We stopped at the information booth, which has become our first destination always and asked for a quick day trip summary of Yosemite. It breaks my heart to see this beautiful map and know that I only have so much time to give such a magical place... Until I get to return.
We stopped once or twice at some beautiful vista points and beautiful spots, but the crew and I had started to get hangry. We grabbed food and then carried on our way.
But as we experienced, we are getting quite fatigued. I asked Karen and Haley why I felt so tired... I'm 21 years old, in the best years of my life, and I am getting out paced by packs of senior citizens who pile out of tour buses. Karen chuckled a little and explained that maybe it's because we're on day 14 with 10 days left to go. And it's true... The amount of things we've managed to fit into just two weeks has been justifiably exhausting.
We walked around a little longer before calling it quits, but not before Haley and I hiked into a more dangerous section of terrain and felt the mist of a particularly lovely waterfall. It is one of my favorite experiences of this trip.
We returned to the hostel, got a pizza, and went to bed, worn out from a measly 6 hour day!
When trying to tell you about Yosemite, I feel as if I have failed you, reader. I was so awe-struck that I didn't take nearly as many photographs as I should've. I remained in the moment, mezmorized by the amazing physical features of Yosemite, but I failed to get any images that really capture that beuaty. Even Ansel Adams, on of the most celebrated photographers of all time, failed to capture Yosemite. Oh, and he tried. He dedicated his creative existence almost entirely to this park, and his images are absolute masterpieces. But the park in person is far more moving, inspiring, and daunting than even his photographs.
I hope I never forget the emotions that ran through Yosemmite and within me there. It was one of the most charged places i have ever been and its beauty drained me and rejuvenated me.
The last time I felt this attached to an experience, I was in Versailles and I was falling in love with photography for the first time. Who knows where it goes from here, but I do know that this will not be my only time in Yosemite. I will be back and I will be back soon.
Until then, I've left some love there (an intangible thing that in no way alters the landscape of the park). I can't wait to return to you, Yosemite.