The summer crowds at Yosemite can bring traffic jams, noise, and confusion to an otherwise peaceful and quiet place. They come from all over the world this time of year to take in the beauty of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and the Merced River. The sign at the entrance station said, “Expect Two Hour Delays in The Valley”. We decided to avoid the Valley for the morning and took the turn to Glacier Point Road.
My favorite wildflower hike is off Glacier Point Road at McGurk Meadow. This is a fairly easy out and back hike which leads to a high meadow, marshy and filled with wildflowers in many places. The marshiness means that there are also lots of mosquitoes and butterflies. The flowers were a little past prime in the meadow but along the edges of the forest we found plenty of color and beauty to enjoy.
Tip #2: Get out of your car and hike a little off the main roads. We hiked less than a mile and were all alone in a beautiful setting.
Alpine Lily at Yosemite National Park – We call them leopard lilies.
Like these leopard lilies that were blazing red in the dappled sunlight of the forest. The bees were buzzing along with the mosquitoes as we hiked through this section. I was hiking with a friend and she was a little nervous about encountering a bear on our hike. We decided to not hike quietly as we followed the trail deeper into the woods so we wouldn’t startle a bear if we came across one.
The California Mule Deer – Yosemite National Park
We were spooked by this buck as he leaped out onto the path past us and then over to a patch of wildflowers that he proceeded to munch as I tried to discreetly take a photo or two.
Crimson columbine – Yosemite National Park
Back to looking at wildflowers….we found lots of Crimson columbine in the marshy areas and we decided it is such a pretty creation.Our field guide tells us they are in the buttercup family. I have one in my nature journal already but I am tempted to sketch it again just so I can use my oranges and yellows.
Corn Lily in Bloom – Yosemite National Park
The corn lilies were blooming all along the trail and it is hard not to overlook their beauty when we slow down to take a look at this common plant. These plants can be quite tall and when you see them in mass…it is gorgeous.
Sentinel Bridge with the Merced River and my beloved pink Roxie bike
Tip #3: If you must go into the Valley, take the walking trail or a bike path to get away from the crowds.
After a quick PB sandwich lunch on the trail, a bottle of water, and a few more photos, we headed into the valley … braving the traffic. We had our bikes along and we wanted to find a place to park and take a slow ride around the bike path which loops around the majority of the valley. We made several stops at the river to cool our feet.
Yosemite Evening – El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls beyond the Merced River
Tip #4: Go early or stay late in the day and you will find the crowds disappear. The middle of the day is a great time to sit at the river and just let everyone else clamor for a spot on a hiking trail or a place on the road.
We ended our day with dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel (actually sitting outside at the cafe) and then we packed up the bikes and headed home. Above is one last image looking back at El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls in the setting sun. This is my favorite time of day in the Valley.
There are plenty more ideas for day hikes away from the crowds on my Squidoo page: Yosemite For Families. It is possible to enjoy a day at this national park even when there are throngs of visitors. We enjoyed a great summer day in this awesome and unique place.
What did Harmony Art Mom do for her 27th Wedding Anniversary?
Hiked to a waterfall!
My dear husband and I took a day to hike up to one of our favorite spots at nearby Lake Tahoe. The trailhead is at Bayview Campground and the parking can be tricky. We caught someone as they were leaving and got a spot in the shade.
The trail is not steep or very long but there are sections that are covered in granite rocks that you need to scramble up on or over or around. There are plenty of spots to stop and take in the view as you hike along.
We hiked to the Cascade Falls and then sat and just enjoyed each other’s company and the solitude for awhile.
The wildflowers were blooming along the trail and this one was abundant.
You actually hike to the top of the waterfall so there isn’t a really great place to take a shot of the whole waterfall at one time. Here is a section of it.
We hiked back down the trail in the late afternoon and then made our way over to Tallac Historic Site to have a picnic (including a special slice of cheesecake for each of us).
I worked in my nature journal recording the wildflowers we saw earlier and my husband did some reading until we decided we better take an after dinner walk to burn off some of the picnic calories. I love the long hours of a summer evening and this time we found a place that I want to bring the kids back to.
This promenade in the middle of the forest was the connecting sidewalk between two turn-of-the-twentieth-century hotels. The hotels are long gone but the promenade remains. We tried to imagine what it would have been like to stay at one of the hotels way back then.
It was a perfect anniversary day….hope to do it again sometime!
The best thing about summer is getting to be outdoors everyday. Where we live in California we can do day trips to just about any sort of environment you can imagine.
Here are a few images from the last week.
The boys took some kayaks out at a local lake…..not too hot and we went early.
Fallen Leaf Lake is an hour’s drive from our front door and we took the short hike around the edge of this crystal clear alpine lake last weekend. The lupine was divine and the sky was equally as awesome.
The wildflowers were amazing! I love getting the chance to experience this Sierra Nevada habitat.
We took a day trip to visit an elderly relative and we took the “long way” home along the California coast. The wildflowers were blooming here as well.
See what I mean? Northern California is such a gift to those of us who live here. Our job is to take the opportunity and get outside!
We had the opportunity to take several hikes in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park while on our trip to Southern Oregon. No matter where you go in this area of California, you are going to see some spectacular trees and other plants of the redwood habitats. In a matter of minutes, you can be on the trail, hiking along the forest floor, bordered by ferns and wildflowers. There is always a bird singing somewhere in the forest and since you feel as if you are all alone you realize it is singing for your enjoyment.
Look up there at those redwoods….in the sky…practically.
There is no chance of missing these ancient trees when are right there hiking under them. On some places along the trail you can reach out and touch the soft fibrous bark. In other places you have to literally climb under or through downed redwoods. This is the best way to get to know these quiet giants.
Looking down wasn’t so bad either…these are monkeyflowers.
When all around you are tall redwoods, it is easy to forget to look down and notice the floor of the forest with its carpets of Redwood sorel and other colorful wildflowers.
I love this flower! We actually stopped and just enjoyed the color of the bloom and as we stood there another couple came along and wanted to photograph the flower since it was new to them. I was so glad that I had read my field guide before we hiked to refresh my memory with some of the flowers we would more than likely see. I was able to share the name of the flower which is always fun.
We saw lots of downed trees that appear to be melting into the forest floor. Even in their death, these trees provide a living habitat for other growing things.
Like these False Lily of the Valley plants…..isn’t it great how the forest just fills in when a tree falls?
Fern Falls was found at the end of one of our hikes….time to just stop and drink it all in. Time for a nature journal for me and climbing up to the top of the falls and then out on the log for Mr. A. It was hard to tear ourselves away to make the hike back. It was an awesome hike. (Fern Falls is at the end of the Boy Scout Tree Trail.)
If you venture to Redwood National Park in Northern California, don’t miss driving Howland Hill Drive. Even if you just take the drive and don’t get out of the car, roll your windows down and enjoy the scenic road winding around the redwoods.
There is also a lovely river that runs through the park. Here is the Smith River in all its glory. A few years ago we camped right next to the Smith River at Panther Flat….quiet campground with nice spots for tents.
There is no shortage of hikes to try in Jedediah Smith Redwoods. We drove down Walker Road all the way to the end and then got out to walk along the river. I love the poppies sprouting in the river rocks. It was a fine way to end our stay at the redwoods part of our trip.
Hope you enjoyed my Oregon/Redwoods series. We certainly had a wonderful, wonderful time getting out and spending time as a family in the wide open outdoors hiking and camping. Oregon Tidepools Oregon Coast Hiking
Speaking of wide open….my boys and I are going to heading out again soon to another part of the west, Grand Teton National Park. You can be sure we will share those experiences as well.
I just need to face the facts and accept that my boys are now the family leaders when it comes to hiking. They shoot ahead and find all sorts of things to be interested in as they hike along together. My hubby and I take a slower pace but then again, I am always stopping to capture some of the images that inspire me.
This is a photo Mr. B took while we were hiking down to the beach. The rabbits like to hide alongside the trail and since the boys were ahead of us, they spotted the cute little beach bunnies first.
The trail winds down the cliff and the wild azaleas are amazing in June. The pink against the blue backdrop of the ocean and sky is dazzling. This is at Harris Beach State Park….our favorite.
Here is one of the many types of berries that are to be found on the coast trails. Twinberry Honeysuckle is such a great shape and color. I am going to be drawing it in my nature journal this week as I catch up on my journaling.
We hiked another section of the Oregon Coast Trail which leads down to the Indian Sands. This area of dunes leads down to a rocky steep coastline and the views both north and south are amazing.
Here is a better look at the dunes covered with wildflowers in June. Indian paintbrush, clover, beach strawberries, Douglas irises, lupine, dandelions, yarrow, and many more are found growing low to the sand….it is always windy here so be ready to be blasted with sand if you hike down to the edge.
Here is a close-up of one of my favorite plants…salal.
It made it into my nature journal on this trip. After dinner, I would sit at the picnic table and review with my field guide all the things that we saw that day. I then would pull out my nature journal, watercolor pencils, and my Sharpie Ultra Fine Tip pen and I am all ready to record a special subject from our day. It only takes a few minutes and it is a wonderful way to add another layer to your hiking experiences.
So there you have a glimpse into our coastal hikes which I think we ended up putting in about twenty miles over the course of four days. I can think of no better way to get to know an area.
“Year of the Staycation” is a project hosted by The Happy Housewife and Spring Bargains. I was asked to write about fun and inexpensive activities for families going to Yosemite National Park. Even if you don’t live in California, you will enjoy reading about all the wonderful family-oriented things there are to do at Yosemite National Park and someday you might just get to try a few during your own visit!
Half Dome Towering Over Curry Village At Yosemite National Park
Did you ever visit a place that feels like home…a place you could come back to over and over again? Yosemite National Park is that place for our family. We live close enough that it is a day trip and for many other Californians it could be just a few hours away as well. With a little preparation, your family could very well enjoy a day at one of the most beautiful places on earth. I hope you are inspired to take a trip to Yosemite National Park…..where you will see beautiful landscapes, majestic waterfalls, incredible wildlife, tall trees, and flowers. No one ever leaves disappointed. For this post I will narrow things down a bit and assume you are going there for the first time, with young children, you are going to be there for the day, and you want to take a day hike.
What will you find in this entry?
1. How to Prepare For Your Trip – Can You Really Visit Yosemite For The Day?
2. What To Expect Once You Arrive
3. Ideas for Free Activities and Reasonably Priced Eating
Preparation is the Key-First You Need to Get There
How do you get to Yosemite? Some of the roads in Yosemite National Park are closed during the winter and even into late spring or early summer depending on the snowpack. To find out about road closures, check the official National Park Website. Once you know that the roads are open, choose the entrance that is nearest your home. Use this page to find the appropriate road to take: Directions.
Driving Times from California Locations-You May Be Closer Than You Think
San Francisco 200 miles or 4 hours
Fresno 125 miles or 2 3/4 hours
Modesto 110 miles or 2 1/2 hours
Sacramento 180 miles or 3 1/2 hours
Lake Tahoe 170 miles or 3 1/2 hours
In the late spring and all throughout the summer you have longer daylight hours to make your day trip possible. If you get on the road early, you can have a full day at Yosemite before needing to head home. Our family has about a three hour drive to Yosemite so we leave at 5 AM and arrive back at home around 10 PM which is a long day but well worth the effort.
Climbing on Rocks is Fun and Free!
National Parks – Value For Your Money
There is an entrance fee of $20 for the day ($40 for an annual pass). At the entrance station, make sure to get your free map and brochure. These are going to help you know what is available for free activities on the day of your visit. On one side of the map is a smaller inset map that shows where to park for day parking (either at Yosemite Village or at Curry Village). It also shows the free shuttle bus route which will take you around the Valley to see waterfalls, views of the granite vistas, the Visitor’s Center, and the Nature Center.
All set for a day of fun…waiting for the bus at Curry Village.
What Should You Bring With You?
1. Snacks and Lunch- There are several restaurants, delis, and grocery stores in the Valley but the lines can be long and the food can be expensive. I highly recommend taking a simple picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas available within walking distance from the shuttle bus stops. Make sure it fits in your daypack.
2. Comfortable walking shoes for everyone and a baby backpack or stroller for younger ones. Nothing spoils a day faster than blisters and sore feet. Hats are also something to consider if you are visiting during the spring and summer months. My boys usually wear their swim trunks just in case they decide to get wet in the river. If you can fit an extra set of clothes in your daypack, it is probably a good idea.
3. Daypack for carrying vital items such as a small first aid kit, snacks, water, maps, camera, and sunscreen.
What To Expect When You Arrive
Whatever direction you arrive into Yosemite Valley, the view is going to take your breath away. Make sure to stop for photo opportunities in the many turnouts available. The views will give you an idea of the scope of this National Park and an idea of how it was formed from glacier activity. (Don’t worry, you will learn more at the Visitor’s Center).
First of all, get yourself into the valley and head straight to Yosemite Village. Park your car at the Day Use Parking Lot (shuttle stop #1) and either walk or take the free shuttle to the Visitor’s Center (stop #5). Once at the Visitor’s Center, take some time to view the exhibits to get an idea of the geology of the place and also an overview of just how large Yosemite National Park is. If you need to eat lunch or get a snack, Yosemite Village has a grocery store and deli and several eating options to choose from.
Armed with your lunch and the free map of the Valley you received when you entered the park, you can get back on the shuttle and ride over to Yosemite Falls (stop #6). You also have the choice to walk over since this is a short 10-15 minute hike even with little ones to the base of the falls.
Million Dollar View
Seeing Yosemite Falls is worth the trip itself. The path is easy to walk and your little ones will have no trouble walking by themselves. Eat your lunch now if you are hungry sitting at the picnic tables available by the shuttle stop or on one of the many benches or boulders. Watch out for squirrels and Steller’s jays that want to share your lunch!
It is not uncommon to see bears, coyotes, and deer in Yosemite Valley.
Don’t miss looking for wildflowers, deer, squirrels, birds, and perhaps even a bear as you hike around the valley. If you are quiet and observant, you may spy something incredible! Read HERE what to do if you see a bear.
Happy Isles
After you have taken your photos and enjoyed the falls, head back to the shuttle stop. Take the shuttle to the Happy Isles stop and get off (stop #16). You can take the short hike along the Merced River over to the nature center at Happy Isles. This is a fabulous place for children to learn about the natural aspects of Yosemite and I highly recommend it.
Nice easy walking along the Merced River at Happy Isles.
I have written a webpage with detailed information for several of the day hikes in Yosemite Valley aimed at helping families get on the trail. You can read that information along with images of what to expect here on my Yosemite For Families Squidoo page. (Happy Isles and Vernal Falls hikes are included on that page!)
Vernal Falls from the Mist Trail
Now if you are feeling up to a little hike, more strenuous than the rambling path to Yosemite Falls but still very reachable for even younger hikers, head to the bridge at the base of Vernal Falls. You will find signs near the shuttle stop at Happy Isles to direct you to the trail. This hike will get you off the main pathways of Yosemite and you will experience a little more of the park, possibly having spots on the trail all to yourself. This hike is 1.6 miles to the bridge at the base of Vernal Falls and has an elevation gain of 400 feet. the trail is a little rough in spots and several spots of steep incline and descent. Take your time and don’t take strollers. There is a drinking fountain and restroom at the shuttle stop and at the Vernal Falls Bridge.
Coming down the Mist Trail can be a little wet with spray!
If you go another 2/10ths of a mile past the bridge at Vernal Falls, you will be on the Mist Trail and you have an even more awesome view of the falls. You might as well try it if the kids are up to it!
Here I am on the trail…expect to hike on granite so wear comfortable shoes.
After your hike, retrace your steps and get back on the shuttle and head back to the village to complete your grand shuttle bus tour of the valley. If you want a great cafeteria style dinner before you leave, stay on the shuttle until you get to the Yosemite Lodge. (stop #8) They have a very nice food court there and you can feed your family without breaking the bank. There is also a small grocery and gift shop at Yosemite Lodge if you need anything before you head out of the park. We like to pick up a candy bar for the road trip home….after all that hiking you can get hungry!
Hike to the Base of Yosemite Falls
If you are done for the day, jump back on the shuttle bus and ride back to Day Use Parking to get your car and head out of the valley. Twilight is one of my favorite times to leave the valley since the granite walls are glowing and the sky is so peaceful. On your way out, you can take a quick stop at El Capitan Meadow to look up at the towering granite of El Capitan. This is about the time I promise myself that I will come back soon to have another adventure in this home away from home.
Those are my suggestions for a one day trip to Yosemite or for the first day of a weekend trip.
Ready For Some More Tips and Suggestions?
Riding Bikes Around Yosemite Valley – Stoneman Bridge
Tips to know:
1. There is no gas station in Yosemite Valley so make sure you gas up before heading in.
2. There are bears in Yosemite so you will be asked to not leave food in your car.
3. As an alternative to hiking and riding the shuttle, there is a great bike trail around the valley. Bring your bikes and see Yosemite close up and personal.
4. Yosemite Village and Curry Village have lots of picnic tables to have lunch at. There are several picnic sites along the river that are nice in the summer months.
Curry Village Tent Cabin
If you would like to spend the night with reasonably priced accommodations, check thetent cabins at Curry Village. These have beds, linens, electricity, some have heat, and they are near-by to the shuttle stops, bike rentals, raft rentals, and restaurants. We love to rent a cabin and spend the night and many times if you check the website there are special prices that include overnight accommodations for around $100 a night. (Sign up for their email alerts and they will keep you informed when a deal comes up. We went last fall and paid $49 a night!)
If you end up staying one night and need something to do the second day, try some of the free or inexpensive ideas below or take a drive up to Glacier Point. (Check to see if the road is open before heading up to Glacier Point.)
Merced River in Yosemite Valley at the Swinging Bridge
Ideas for Free Activities and Reasonably Priced Eating
Yosemite Visitors Center (stop #5 and 9)- Free museum and exhibits on the history and geology of the National Park. Also, you can get information about the Junior Ranger Program at the Visitor’s Center.
Art Activity Center – Check the brochure you received at the entrance station for times and activities available
Rafting down the Merced River – You Can Bring Your Own Rafts
Ahwahnee Hotel – Historic hotel to visit via the free shuttle bus (stop #3). Walk the lobby, patio, and grounds to see this beautiful old hotel.
Bike and raft rentals at Curry Village (stop #21) – Rent bikes to get a new perspective as you ride the trails around the Valley floor. Rent an inflatable raft to float the Merced River on a hot summer day….perfect!
Yosemite Lodge (stop #8) has a food court available for all meals. We have found this to be a great way to save money on food if you need to eat out while you are in Yosemite Valley.
The grocery stores at Yosemite Village(stop #10) and Curry Village(stop #14) are the best places to find ice cream treats which you can eat at the picnic tables outside.
Perfect day for a hike but a lot of pollen in the air.
I was determined to take a hike last weekend even though conditions were still windy and the pollen count was off the scale. I did something I rarely do and that is to take an antihistamine. Sometimes they work just fine and then other times they make me feel worse so it was a gamble. Other than feeling tired more quickly, I think it ended up being a good day outdoors.
Looking down from about half way to the water.
Some of the family had other plans so in the end it was my husband, my oldest son, and I who hit the trail. I like hiking in small groups so this worked out great for taking our time and quietly enjoying the views and wildflowers.There were a few other families on the trail but everyone was friendly.
I had my usual wildflower game going where I try to name the flowers as we pass them by…mostly in my head but sometimes out loud if the guys happened to stop to point one out. This plant is something new and we almost missed it growing right along the trail in a rock face.
How it can manage to grow stuck right in the crack of the rock is amazing. You can see the delicate yellow flowers with the cute little pansy-like faces. It is always frustrating to me when I can’t readily identify a plant, although I think I learn more when I have to really break the plant down and look at its parts to work with the field guide. I will come back to edit if I discover the name of this one.
Here is another angle where you can see a poppy determined to grow right in the same crack. The rock is along a steep section of the trail and there was much graffiti scratched into the surface.
How about a fern on the same rock?
Back to the hike…it was warm and there were birds singing practically the whole way down to the water (which was our destination).
We had parked at the top of the canyon and began the trail which wound around and down a steep grade. We took our time and noticed quite a bit of poison oak already flourishing at the trail’s edge and I was so glad we didn’t have the dog with us. She is oblivious to poison oak.
This plant is growing in patches alongside the trail on rocky outcrops. It is a striking color and seems to grow right on the rocks. I believe it is a variety of Dudleya, perhaps this one.
More Chinese lanterns in the shady spots….love this flower.
I have been noticing the abundance of thistle this year. It is very pretty right now with its purple flowers.
This is one trail where I know to look for Tidy tips. Look carefully and you will notice the notice the difference between this and other yellow flowers.
I really want to take the time to record this flower in my nature journal, partly because it is my favorite color but also because I like the way when you slow down to observe it closely it has the purple dots on the petals that seem to point the way for insects to come and investigate its pollen.
So this was our destination….the natural bridge. The creek comes right through the rocks here in this spot….looks like a cave but it is more like a tunnel. You can wade through the water and come out the other side if you want to, which I don’t. We were content to enjoy the sound of the water rushing through the rock and seeing the water cascading down at the opening.
There are formations on the top that are covered in moss…stalactites from the top rock that hang down. Sort of on the creepy side but still very interesting.
We reached our destination and found a place to sit on the rocks to rest and enjoy the setting. There were quite a number of birds including robins, towhees, swallows, and one bird that sang and sang and sang. I had my mini binoculars with me and I was able to capture a glimpse at him in a tree on the other side of the creek. Between the song and the quick look, I identified him as a Black-headed grosbeak.
We sat near the water for quite a long time just enjoying our first real spring hike of the year. We drank some water and then started back up the hill to the car. Even with allergies, allergy head, and with the heat, I was able to keep up with the men.
One last interesting image from the day….bright orange lichen covered many of the rocks. What a punch of color!
Hope you enjoyed seeing our spring hike and some of our wildflowers….more to come. You can count on that.
“Out in this, God’s beautiful world, there is everything waiting to heal lacerated nerves, to strengthen tired muscles, to please and content the soul that is torn to shreds with duty and care.”
“Nature-study should be so much a part of the child’s thought and interest that it will naturally form a though core for other subjects quite unconsciously on his part.”
“Out-of-door-life takes the child afield and keeps him in the open air, which not only helps him physically and occupies his mind with sane subjects, but keeps him out of mischief.”
Fiddlenecks are just starting to bloom.
“In nature-study the work begins with any plant or creature which chances to interest the pupil.”
Saxifrage is blooming in full force.
“Thus by beginning with the child in nature-study we take him to the laboratory of the wood or garden, the roadside or the field, and his materials are the wild flowers or the weeds, or the insects that visit the goldenrod or the bird that sings in the maple tree, or the woodchuck whistling in the pasture.”
All quotes are from the Handbook of Nature Study in the introductory pages. All photos are from today’s lunchtime hike.
I was driving on a back road yesterday and found this sea of yellow field mustard all in bloom! It made me smile so I had to go home and get my camera to capture the showy display of yellow. This was an orchard of apples but a few years ago they took down the trees and now it has come alive with mustard. I realize this is another of our county’s invasive species but it sure is pretty.
I am in awe of just how beautiful this scene sparkles on this February day.
We took the opportunity to take a family hike in the sunshine and it was fairly uneventful. All three of my sons accompanying my husband and I for a hike down in the canyon. Kona dog came too and she was eager to explore.
Kona was wild on this hike so she had to sit for a minute in a little doggy “time out”. She brought home some ticks a few times in the past week so I am trying to keep her in the middle of the trail and then check her when we get back to the car. She has other ideas….her nose is just so curious.
I know much of our nation is still deep into winter cold and winter weather but here in our part of the world it is sunny and warm in the afternoons. I hope my images cheer you up!
I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.
~Henry David Thoreau
By now you are more than likely tired of seeing my snowshoe photos but since the season is full of opportunities to hike out there in the snowy goodness, I will continue to share some of the best shots and stories from our wanderings.
This trip was a sisters trip and my big sis and I spent part of our weekend out in the sunshine hiking/wandering, taking photos, talking, sharing aches and pains, and nourishing our love of beautiful landscapes. We heard Steller’s jays and nuthatches as we “tramped” through the woods.The creek sounds were always in the background and every now and then the quack of a mallard was heard over the crunching of our shoes.
This particular place is known for being a bear and eagle habitat. Although I have seen bears here in the summer and fall, I have never seen an actual bear or signs of bear in the winter. There are plenty of other animal tracks around but never any bear tracks. My sister was still a little uneasy but we did not see a bear on this trip, thank goodness, or she would have never let me forget about it.
There has been no fresh snow in awhile but there were places where we really did need the snowshoes. The weather was warm and I ended up just with a fleece jacket, no gloves, and my light knit hat. My sister was trying out a new set of snowshoes which were much smaller and lighter than mine. She said they were very easy to get used to and we felt good about being out for a long walk….not totally by ourselves in the woods but still alone enough to feel peaceful and refreshed.
We wandered through the woods and only once did we need to take our snowshoes off and jump across the creek. Yes, I said jump. I didn’t feel very graceful as I made the leap across into the snowbank but there was no one else around to see me….
The aspens make such a visual treat with their beautiful trunks.
Yes, the limbs of the bare bushes are that pinky-red in real life. Amazing color along the creek for a winter scene. I was so surprised that my point and shoot was able to capture the exact look of this winter creek.
Does it get any better than this? With a little effort my sister and I made it out to the end of the creek where it spills into the lake. The snow had all melted on this side of the water and we took off our snowshoes and stood in awe of the mountains, the snow, the reflections, the sky, the peacefulness of this place. I felt like I was in some beautiful outdoor cathedral and I sent my thanks to our Grand Creator for the gift of this afternoon.
There is my sister taking some photos of her own. We share a love for the outdoors and photography and she is an amazing nature photographer. All too soon we realized the day was coming to a close and we needed to make the hike back to the car. We were tired but it was a good kind of tired.
I hope to get up to the snow at least one more time, probably with my boys if we can fit in the time.
I am not the only one that has snowshoes. Don’t miss reading another mom’s experience with her snowshoes…it will warm your heart: Pink Snowshoes by Richelle at Educating Mother.
