Yosemite National Park - the first day

 

El Capitan

Today wasn't the first time for me to see the wonders of the Yosemite Valley. Way back when I was a youngster, the family made a summer vacation road trip to Yosemite National Park, and I can still recall many of the sights we saw. How old was I at the time? Old enough to remember that Looking Glass' "Brandy" was constantly being played on the car's AM radio that summer, to the point that I've always associated the song with the dramatic valley.

For my wife and daughter, however, today was their first time. Our morning began at the B&B where we're staying in Mariposa, greeted with the sight of a deer timidly feeding on the offerings left by the owner, a daily ritual:

Despite waiting up to 90 minutes in a long procession of cars to get into the park (those vehicles without reservations were being turned away at the gate), we drove into Yosemite Valley at around 1030 hours and proceeded to have our jaws dropped by the astounding scenery:

El Capitan, at 7569 feet (2307 meters), one of the park's most iconic sights:

Bridalveil Falls. Unfortunately, the trail leading to the base of the waterfall was closed for maintenance:

Despite the smoky haze (the result of the Washburn Fire, which has closed some areas of the park), the views were still awe-inspiring:

Side view of El Capitan, showing just how massive a rock formation it actually is:

Shu-E took countless shots of the views, though what she does with all those photos she takes on our many trips still remains a mystery to me:

Our first look at Yellowstone Falls, the highest in North America at 2425 feet (739 feet), falling in three tiers:

An art gallery in Yosemite Village was presenting an exhibition on Ansel Adams' famed black-and-white shots of Yosemite. The family had to talk me out of buying a large book of Adams' work (something to do about moving, luggage weight allowances blah blah blah):

Resting deer at the village:

More glimpses of Yosemite Falls from the village:

We finally caught sight of Half Dome (8842 feet/2695 meters) late in the afternoon:

On our way out of the park we stopped at Valley View for some amazing views on either side of the meadow:

On our way back to the B&B we passed by a group of wild turkeys:

At the Grand Canyon you peer down into the abyss. In Yosemite Valley, you look up from the bottom of the abyss...