Yosemite weekend getaway

This year for Randy's birthday (back in January) I "gifted" him with a weekend in Yosemite.  We picked a weekend, I used all of my own money for the hotel (some monetary gifts at Christmas time, and a sweet deal on Living Social), arranged for a few families to help out with our kiddos, Randy asked for a Friday off to make a long weekend, and we made the reservations! After getting the older kids off the school Friday morning and Isaiah to a friend's house, we drove over the hills and into the Valley. 

The iconic "tunnel" view.  After a quick walk to the base of Bridalveil Falls, we found a nice place in the valley to have a picnic lunch.  For the afternoon we explored the valley floor, wandering through the Ranger Station, Ansel Adams gallery, Awahnee hotel, and a short hike (1 mile loop) to the base of  Yosemite Falls.  

Almost to the base, looking up to Yosemite Point.  We thought, hmmm...can you hike to the top?

Upper Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in all of North America

Both Upper Falls (top right) and the Lower Falls, at the site of John Muir's cabin (hang nest) that he built in 1869 and made his home for 2 years while working in a saw mill on the valley floor. 

Bottom of Yosemite Falls

We found a great bench in the valley behind the Awahnee to watch the sun set and the colors change on Half Dome.

After the sun was down we hopped back in our car to drive up to our hotel in Fish Camp, the Narrow Gauge Inn, just 4 miles outside Yosemite's south gate.  Then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Tenaya Lodge before settling in for the night.  

Early morning quiet time and coffee on the balcony...what a treat!  

After a good night's rest and a delicious breakfast, we were ready for the challenge ahead of us...so back down into the valley we drove!  The hike to the top of Yosemite Falls in only 3.4 miles, but climbs 2700 feet in elevation!  The ranger told us to plan on 3-4 hours to get to the top. We set foot on the trailhead at 10:30 am.  By noon we were above the Lower Falls and at the base of the Upper Falls.  

As Randy got his zoom lens out to get some different shots he realized THIS GUY at the top of falls...as if climbing to the top was not enough, he was crossing it on a slack line! Crazy!

Further up on the trail, now really close to the base of Upper Falls.  Now to climb behind, around and to the top!  

Still climbing...the valley on one side, enormous walls of granite on the other. 

Three and a half hours after leaving, we made it to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls!  

Not finished quite yet, we wanted to make it over to Yosemite Point, only .8 miles further, about 300 ft elevation gain (not bad considering what we'd climbed already).  So after a good while resting and snacking and enjoying the view, we finished our hike.  

From the top of Yosemite Point (6936 ft elevation), you have an amazing view of the valley...and  Half Dome!  

Now the hike down...

Different lights on the waterfall on the way down in the afternoon sun.  

Can't imagine why we didn't take a picture of all the millions of "stairs" on the way up...probably because I was trying to breathe!  But here is a bit of the view on the way down.  Only about a mile left to go from here, serious jelly legs!  

A well-deserved dinner after an amazing climb!  8.8 miles, 3002 feet in elevation climbed (up and back down again), 7 hours and 7 minutes from start to finish.  

Yum!

And one last picture from the weekend.  After a good dinner we practically collapsed in our bed for the night.  But as the sun came up and we refilled our bodies with a warm breakfast, we couldn't help but enjoy one more piece of the park before heading home.  With Giant Sequoias so close to our home in Kings Canyon we have never ventured down to the Mariposa Grove just 2 miles inside the Yosemite south gate.  We had no idea there were so many miles of trails throughout the grove!  We walked a short 2 mile loop to see a few before heading home.  We'll have to see more next time!