big rocks
Arriving in the dark at Yosemite was a singular experience. Driving into the valley between those rock mountains gave me the sensation of arriving in a place where giants live. I couldn’t see the entire stone faces, but the moon bounced enough light on them to define smallness. Nobody prepared me for the massiveness of those solid mountains.

big trees
As luck would have it the Marisopa Grove of Giant Sequoias was closed to visitors. We visited the Tuolumne Grove. The 2.5 mile round trip hike had an elevation change of 500 feet. The first sight of one of those trees was the reward for the punishment I gave my lungs later. Mountains are huge, oceans are big, the sky is massive. But trees? I didn’t feel small next to their giant-ness. I felt safe. For me, forests and woodlands resonate with calmness. Sequoias are a special breed of serenity. Standing in that place I understood instantly why writers personify trees with wisdom and patience. Sequoias create a peace that is unavoidable.

swimming
Ending the day in the cold water of the Merced River was one of those “Do you remember moments?” Heading out of the park was the goal, but it became secondary to finding somewhere to get into water. It wasn’t tap water cold; it was snow melt cold. Definitely, the best way to end the only day we had in Yosemite. But all of us agreed; we are going back.