Yosemite: A Place of Tall Tales!

Yosemite National Park entrance

California is blessed with a huge diversity in geographic features and beauty, from a breathtaking coastline and beautiful beaches to arid desert stretches to pristine woodlands. The crown of this natural abundance though is the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the foremost jewel of this crown is the Yosemite National Park. The famous tunnel view out over the Yosemite valley actually seems like a figment of imagination, even as you stand and admire it. Sheer cliffs, sparkling waterfalls and a beautiful blanket of evergreen conifers - it is difficult to take it all in in one view.

Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley

Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley

And so it seems that you have reached a wonder world, just about 2.5 hours drive from the bay area. Yosemite valley is a world heritage site and a massive tourist puller for a reason, or rather, several of them. As you drive through the valley floor, impossibly smooth and sheer granite domes rise on both sides. Incredible waterfalls dot these cliffs, creating clefts in the impenetrable looking rock.
Many of these super-rocks are famous as hiking and climbing exploits for those so inclined. The more famous is perhaps the half dome, which is the most famous landmark of Yosemite. From spring to late summer, the half dome and its reflection in Mirror Lake is one of the most famous sights to behold in the valley.

Half Dome in Mirror Lake

The big brother of half dome is the hulking El Capitan, a geological wonder and a challenge for professional climbers. It seems to rise impossibly sheer, right next to the road.

El Capitan

 After the granite blocks, the next set of landmarks of Yosemite are the plunging waterfalls. The upper Yosemite falls is the highest of them all, a signature of the valley. Another famous one is the Bridal Veil fall. As you approach you feel the mist on you, long before you even see the water cascade around the corner.

Upper Yosemite Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

And finally, an important feature of Yosemite, for which it is less famous than the granite and water, are the Giant Sequoias. Although the Sequoia National Park and other locations in the Sierra are more famous for their giants, Yosemite also has the impressive Mariposa grove. The largest and oldest living thing on the planet, the Giant Sequoia is an awe inspiring and humbling sight. As you stand at its bottom and try to see the top, you try to imagine what it means to be 2000 years old - and fail miserably. 

The Mariposa Grove

The Grizzly

The Mariposa Grove

In typical approved American style, all the major trees in the grove are named and documented: The biggie of the lot is called the Grizzly, four elegant Sequoias in a cluster are called the Bachelor and Three Graces, and more such. If at all there was any inspiration for the Magic Faraway Tree, I am sure this must have been it!