For a prissy grandmother from Alabama, spending a day in Yosemite National Park was so surreal that I had to keep reminding myself I was really there.  With the clean, crisp air, the majestic granite mountain peaks,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the thunderous and powerful waterfalls,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the tall and proud cedar, pine and fir trees,

you find yourself standing, gaping, and marveling at the incredible display of God’s creative power.  This park encompasses 1000 square miles, so a mere day could only scratch the surface of what can be seen and experienced.  We were there in early spring.  The other seasons are spectacular as well, I’m sure.  Check out the very informative website here to prepare well for your own trip.

 

 

 

 

If you have very deep pockets, then staying inside the park grounds would be wonderful, but be prepared to spend big bucks.  The Ahwahnee, in particular, is unique and luxurious.  That would be my choice if money were no object (which is NEVER the case).  If I could go back, I would at least plan to have breakfast, lunch or dinner there.  I had a bottled water on the outside patio.  Does that count?  Check out the photo gallery here.  Or you can see a small sample in this photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan to take one or more of the available tours.  The guides are so knowledgeable.  It really will enhance your visit.  My Silver Fox is most definitely NOT a tree-hugging liberal, but he IS a great Appreciator of Nature.  Here he is having a little fun for the sake of “the folks back home.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We actually spent the night at the nearest hotel to the park, the Yosemite View Lodge, and it was one of our favorite places during our entire two weeks in California.  The very wild and scenic Merced River runs right outside the door of all the rooms.  We kept our door open all night, and the sound of the river, coupled with the fresh mountain air, lulled us right to sleep.  We had dinner and breakfast at the adjacent restaurant, and both were delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My advice? There are MANY places to see and things to do in California, but if you can, stay at least a couple of days in Yosemite.  It can be used by God to “restore your soul.”  (Read Psalm 23)