Travel | Yosemite National Park

The fall following college graduation, I packed up my first apartment in two groups. Things that my parents would take back home and put into storage and things that would fit into two suitcases and a backpack that would come with me to California. Never would I have ever guessed that the Lord would lead me to California, but it opened up a whole new world to me and allowed me to visit places and meet people that would change me. I'm sad to say that I haven't shared a lot about my time on the West Coast, but I have been wanting to. What better way to start than by sharing photos of the beautiful and magnificent Yosemite National Park. 

Yesterday was the the 125th birthday of Yosemite National Park! The land was first protected by President Lincoln in 1864, but didn't become a national park until October 1, 1890. Famous spots include El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and more. After spending time in the Tahoe area, the Sierra Nevada region of California is now one of my favorite places in our nation. It is absolutely gorgeous! From Lake Tahoe, to the rising mountains, tall pine trees, clear rivers, great hiking, and the beauty of deep snow in winter. Guys, I just love it. The trek to Yosemite from Tahoe City, is beautiful in itself with winding roads that take you farther and farther up and down through twists and turns. Then, after miles of trekking, you reach what they call the "Tunnel View" at Yosemite. It's your first glance into the park and one that will take your breath away. Guys, the Lord our God is a wonderful Creator and Yosemite National Park is one of His greatest. Enjoy this small glimpse into a beautiful and breathtaking part of our world. 

Happy Birthday, Yosemite. Stay magnificent. 

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The Tunnel View before entering into Yosemite National Park. El Capitan is on the left, Half Dome seen in the middle, Three Brothers on the right, and Bridalveil Falls seen below Three Brothers. I can't explain my first thoughts when seeing the park. It was like the first time I saw the Grand Canyon, tears may have come to my eyes. 

The view from Glacier Point. Half Dome is on the left (people climb this!) and Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls on the right. 

Bridalveil Falls. The falls got its name because when the wind blows, the water mist seems to fly out and it looks like the veil of a bride. 

El Capitan. Guys, when we first drove past this, it literally made me say, "Wow!" This is the largest granite monolith in the world! It is over 3,000 feet high and people come from all over the world to climb it. 

Lower Yosemite Falls. You can't even see the Upper Falls in this picture and I wish this picture did it justice. But, it simply doesn't. The height of the falls and the sound of the rushing water are something to be seen for sure. 

Mirror Lake. My absolute favorite stop while in Yosemite and this is probably one of my top favorite photos that I have ever taken. (It even looks amazing in black and white.) The reflections are absolutely stunning and the water is ice cold. I could have stayed in this one spot for hours. 

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Have you ever been to Yosemite National Park? If not, I truly hope you get to experience it one day. 
What other National Parks have you visited?

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