Stunning Yosemite

Death Valley folding rock
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It was back to nature again and living right amoungst the bears, pumas, racoons and skunks.

Highlights:

• Driving through death valley
• Being surrounded by 3000ft granite cliffs
• The anticipation of a possible bear encounter
• Having heating in our tent (a HUGE thanks for that hint Daniel)

Lowlights:

Classic Death Valley
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• The toilet stop in Death Valley (picture 115 degree heat and a long drop !!!)
• Wobbly legs after a 13 mile hike

Details

Left Vegas for a pretty lengthy drive through Death Valley. Over the next 8 hours we went from 200 ft below sea level (Badwater) to 9000 ft above. The temperature ranged from 87 Fahrenheit to 52. The scenery over the entire route was spectacular and that took up the majority of day 20.

By the time we arrived at Curry Village it was dark and finding our tent and packing our food and toiletries away in bear proof lockers proved tricky without a torch - bought one half an hour later. It came in handy when at 3am the next morning our smoke alarm went off cause our heater was set too high. The damn thing kept going off and Shawn ended up taking it off the beam and carrying it to reception in his pillow.

Yosemite Valley
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The next morning (day 21) after a pretty late sleep in, we drove to Maripose Grove to walk amoungst the 3000 year old Giant Sequoias. Interesting to note that these trees never die of old age. They only cease to exist by falling over, normally in heavy storms as their roots aren't very deep.

That evening we ate pizza AGAIN as we didn't anticipate the 8pm dinner cut-off time.

We made a big effort to be up and dressed by 9am the next day (day 22) ready for our hike taking in 3 different trails. Daniel, I'd love to tell you that we attempted the Half Dome but it was closed for the season (and we wouldn't have anyway - respect to you though).

Viewing point above Valley
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Our first 4.8 miles were straight up (and I really do mean STRAIGHT UP) to Glacier point for stunning panaramic views. Then it was an easier 5.2 miles across the valley to Nevada and Vernal falls and another 3 miles of rocky terraine back down to the village. This time we made sure we were there in time for dinner.

Day 23 our only task was to get to San Francisco to make our 14 hour flight to Hong Kong - and thank goodness for that cause our bodies couldn't have handled anything more strenuous.

Faithful Couple Giant Sequoia trees
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