Day: 287
In the seven hour drive from home to Yosemite, a thought crossed my mind; I realized I have been away from Yosemite for the better part of 15 years. I have always know it to be one of the planets most amazing places, but in my adult life I’ve never taken advantage of my own state, always opting to find myself exploring somewhere else.
Now I am back with my 50 year old mother, who is glowing like a 12-year old on Christmas at the sight of granite and pine trees (the same one who dragged me all around the Sierras as a kid and I realize not much has changed) and my overzealous-GPSing-Step Father who tells everyone we meet about our intent to hike 222 miles. I stare in disbelief at the astounding scenery that is very reminiscent of southern Patagonia just 350 miles from my house.
My day started loading up Sarah’s car with our assorted packs and heading north up the 395. A quick stop outside of Lone Pine to drop the truck off at the trails end (Whitney Portal) then Mom and Mike piled in the back seat for the second half of the drive. Soon after a greasy lunch in Bishop the back seat comes to life with the beeping and chatter of a hand held GPS unit.
“Wow, Rob, you are driving at 63.4 MPH!”
“I hope no ones cold, I have to get a signal (Mike waving the GPS out the car window)…. We’ve traveled 353 miles so far today.”
“Etc. Etc. Etc.”
Even without the benefit of todays advanced technologies I was able to navigate us over Tioga pass into Yosemite Park using only old fashioned street signs… Quite a feat, I know.
At the parks gate a smiling, blond haired ranger, handed me a map and told me to “Enjoy your visit.” as if it was an order. I figured I would do my best to comply. I tossed the maps to the back seat navigator with a smirk to my sister and pointed the Bling-mobile in the direction of the tent cabin Mike had found us for our first night here.
A couple six packs and a wander with my sister finished off the night in the White Wolf area. Only one more day until we start the trail proper.
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Ah yes, the beauty of Yosimite just a day drive from home should not be overlooked for 15 years. Although this has been one of the driest years on record, the valley is truly one of our planets most amazing places to hike, bike and explore.
Looking at that pic of Sarah, it looks as if she drank most of that beer.
Go Sarah!
You are a dick!!!
Mike was just as excited about the trip as the rest of you…so you should be nice! You were a little eager beaver yourself if I remember right!