Kicking off Summer Right: Yosemite National Park

If you know me, there are two words that are not often used to describe me: spontaneous and outdoorsy.

I wouldn't say they are never used, but definitely not often.
However, in recent years, I've tried to be a bit more of both.

Friday, I earned those adjectives.

So when, my fun, adventurous and extremely outdoorsy friend Wendy invited me to take a day trip with her to Yosemite National Park, I was VERY tempted to make it happen.
She even sent me Facebook messages with pictures Half Dome calling my name.

I knew I had to go.
So I scrambled to get as much work done as possible, so I could take Friday off.
God is good, and made a miracle happen.

So at 6:30am, on the first day of Summer, and longest day of the year, Wendy picked me up for the 3 1/2 hour drive into Yosemite.

We had a great time catching up, chatting, enjoying the drive, and eventually listening to a book on CD. (Oh yes, we did).

Soon enough we were driving into the ranger station at Yosemite, where Wendy is a passholder (oh, hey now) and then it was about a half hour drive into the valley. We were talking, and as we rounded one of the bends, I literally gasped, as Half Dome and El Cap snuck up on me, towering in the distance.
It was spectacular.

Wendy was thrilled to see that, despite the peak season, it wasn't as crowded as she had expected. We were able to find parking easily, and set off on foot!

Our first stop, was hiking to the top of Vernal Falls. I was super excited about this, as I had gone one time w/ a summer camp in Jr High, and had a slightly odd experience here as well - which is another story for another time. It was really good to do this again, and enjoy it.

I just want to say, this pic of us is my favorite picture of the day, but then I love them all. But really, this is a framer.

But then, I mean, look at these...

Thankfully Wendy is one of the most patient friends I know, and didn't complain ONCE about my slow pace. By the top my legs were shaking pretty good from all the muscles getting used, but it was totally and completely worth it.

It's not exactly Half Dome, but it was my Half Dome, and getting to the top was a real victory.

 I was so happy. 

After a few snacks, and shooing squirrels out of my backpack, we made our descent, back to the valley floor where we had more exploring to do.

And on our way down, the most exciting thing of my life happened. (Slight over-exaggeration, but just slight).
We saw a bear.
In nature.
Like, the real deal.

Two separate kids who passed us were asking their parents questions about bears, which seemed weird to me. And then I saw a crowd up ahead. I knew we were in for a treat. Just below us, was cute little bear, eating something. He was very occupied with whatever it was and could care less about the visitors above spying on him.

Bear & bear hat!

We hiked from the base of Vernal Falls to Mirror Lake. The sign said one mile. And then about one mile later the sign said one mile again. I'm pretty sure whoever made those signs is a LIAR.
However, it was almost completely flat, and in the shade of the trees, so aside from the horse poop along the trail, it was actually rather enjoyable.

We took off our shoes and crossed the lake on foot, and enjoyed our lunch right underneath Half Dome.

I mean, it doesn't get much better than that.

Wendy had taken a dip in the lake - like I said, she's the adventurous one.
And laid out to dry and read a book.

While I sat in the shade and took selfies with and panoramas of H-Dizzle.

After our break, we headed back towards the middle of the valley, and on our way to the shuttle bus, we saw another bear! He was a little guy, crossing the street. I didn't get a pic, but I was seriously going to keel over with happiness. Once on the shuttle, we passed a huge buck with velvet antlers grazing in the valley! Again with the overflow of happy!

I had told Wendy I really wanted pictures of Halfy from the valley, so she made sure we made that happen.

Photography dreams coming true right here.

And we strolled around a bit more, and found ourselves a nice shady spot along the river, right in line with the view of Yosemite Falls. (Someday I will get to the top of that...maybe.)

And eventually it was time to pack up. We headed back to the car, and saw another buck, and then a doe.

And as we cruised out of the valley, we got up close and personal with Yosemite Falls.

And finally, El Capitan.
I craned my neck out the window, and I might have been gasping and wowing the whole time. It was a majestic, granite wonder.

As we spent the day in the shadows and coolness of the create, I envisioned the way the Lord pieced together this masterpiece. How he likely moved glaciers to cut through the granite, how he placed rainbows under waterfalls, reminding us of the flood that once filled even this place, and his promise not to do so again.

My heart sang and cried out for the creator, for the day when we will finally sit and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty.

Yosemite is great, but heaven, it's going to be something else. I can't wait. 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1, ESV)

Pulgas Ridge: The Big Loop

So, I need to get something clear here.
I am NOT outdoorsy.
Or sporty.
Sporty Spice is my least favorite Spice Girl (I like Baby, Ginger, Posh, Scary and then Sporty...in that order).

But lately, I have been getting my outdoorsiness on.
It's weird.
I know.
Please don't think of me differently.

I also am goth on the inside, I like gloomy days.
Not sunshine.
I hate sunshine.
I have said it before, but I'm only happy when it rains.
Sorry.
Gotta keep it real.

But also lately, I have been super giddy each time the weekend forecast includes warm sunny days.
All week long, I sit inside under florescent lights and daydream of Saturdays and Sundays where I can leash up the Schnoodle and hit the trails.

Who am I?

A couple weeks ago, Mylie and I hit the Pulgas Ridge trail, the short one.
And then last Sunday, Laura joined us and we did it again.

This weekend, it was time to take the big trail.
The Dusky Footed Woodrat Trail.

Oh yes.
Mylie is reading up on the Woodrat habitat.


We packed a bag of snacks, water, Bible, a hat, and got started.
My phone told me it was about a 4 mile loop - but I think it might be closer to 5? Either way, we were out fo about 2 hours.
Also, my goth legs now have tan lines.
HOLLER.

We found some crazy amazing views.
And I perched on a little rock in the blazing sun for a small quiet time break.
Mylie was not happy about the lack of shade, but managed to take a quick snooze anyway.

The last part of the trail was extra shady, which was nice because goths get easily sunburned.
But also, very woodsy.
Oak Alert was in full effect.
I think we made it out of there in record time.

End result?
We both came home with a tan.
(And so far, no poison oak. Hallelujah!)
That's what happens when the sun is shining and you lay down for a nap in the dirt.
Orange stripey dog becomes solid brown dog.
Bath time, little one.
I need my white dog back.

<

Well, Hello There Monday

Hello, Saturday AM at 7am.
Hello, let's take the Schnoodle for a walk.
To the sister's house and check a package since she is out of town.
Hello, disappointed Schnoodle, nobody is home.

Hello, train tracks.

Hello, clean house, lemony fresh, scrubbed floors, dishes, shower, toilet.

Hello, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve.

Hello, hiking combined with complete paranoia of mountain lions and poison oak.
Let's add bee stings and going into anaphylactic shock to that at the halfway point.
Imaginations run wild.

Hello, contemplating how long it would take emergency services to reach me.
Hello, understanding why they teach the buddy system in Girl Scouts.
Hello, buddy who can't dial 9-1-1.

Hello, off leash dog area.
WAY better than Fort Funston.

Hello, ears all the way back, listening very well.
Good puppy.

Hello, Frappucino happy hour with mom.
Hello, sitting side by side playing draw something.

Hello, Sunday morning.
Hello, swapping duties.
Hello, PowerPoint.
Goodbye PowerPoint.
Hello, Timmy.
Thanks for fixing my epic fail, sorry I let you down.

Hello, Sunday after church shenanigans with these two.

Hello, Mylie and Chloe.
Get ready to play.

Hello, "let's pretend we're dog owners and we can do all of the things dog owners do".

Goodbye Chloe, how come you are hiding under the coffee table?

Hello, one more stroll by the apartment for packages.
Hello, disappointed Schnoodle once again.

Goodbye weekend.

Hello, Monday.

Saying hello with Lisa. 

Mylie's Adventure Day

I mentioned in my last post I had some fun adventures planned this weekend.
I had been trying to check out Fort Funston for the longest time.
It worked out to be the same weekend as Mylie's Birthday - so hey, let's just call it a celebration.

Fort Funston is on the south end of San Francisco, along the bluffs above the Pacific.
It is incredibly beautiful.

Sandy Dunes.
Ice Plant for Days.

This weekend in April it was bright green, spattered with bright fuchsia blooms.

Fort Funston is a huge off leash dog area.
With temperatures about to hit the mid seventies on a sunny Saturday, there were dogs EVERYWHERE.
Random black labs running around the parking lot, with no owners seeming to claim them?
Uh, okay.

Anyway, my sister and I took Mylie out towards the trails.
I had high hopes.
But, after a couple of rough aggressive dogs at the dog park, Mylie can be a bit skittish with other dogs.
On leashes, controlled by both owners, meeting is usually good.
But if she feels surprised or cornered, I get nervous for her reaction.

So, while we headed out, we eventually found a tiny patch of sand and ice plant where she could roam, or  scamper in her case, around freely.

But her independence didn't last long as a bunch of other dogs - I'm talking a TON, were all over.
So we headed back to the car for the next part of our adventure.

As awesome as Fort Funston is, on a crazy busy Saturday, it's just not for her.
For a super social and active pup, it is a dream.
Maybe we'll get back there on a weekday when it is less hectic.
I'd love to give it another go.

Off to our next stop, Fort Miley.
Mylie's namesake Fort, almost.

See how regal she is sitting next to the sign?

I need to start off saying,
I FREAKING LOVE FORT MILEY.
We will be back.

One day hanging with my family a few months ago, we happened upon it.
I had never even heard of it, but on our way to the Legion of Honor, I saw the sign,
and of course made my dad make a u-turn.
I had been dying to bring the Smiley dog back.

It has some of the most beautiful views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate.
We parked, descended the stairs to the trail, and headed east - towards the bay.

Totally dog friendly, and rumored to have an off leash dog area (though I didn't seem to find it, but I wasn't really looking), it was a bright trail, with some lush greenery along the way.

Laura and I found an awesome shady staircase where we could hear the crashing of the waves down the way....so we took them, not exactly sure what we'd find.

Best.
Decision.
EVER.

As the trees opened up, we found this:

Super awesome semi-secret beach.
Rocky, not necessarily a swimmy beach, but the waves were crashing and the ocean was spraying.

Tons of mussels in shells between the rocks.

I wanted to stay there forever.
So did Smiles.
She found a comfy place to sit.
Schnoodle on the rocks.

We climbed back up the bluff, on a different trail, more rocky, and found a cool rock maze as well.
And some spiritual enlightenment.

We turned around and headed back - mission complete.
Adventurous success.

And it was time to refuel.
Thank goodness for the iPhone.
And the Google.
"Dog friendly restaurants in San Francisco"
And my sister doing said googling, because I imagine there were quite a few results.
BUT, she discovered the Park Chalet, the sister restaurant to the Beach Chalet had outdoor dog friendly seating!

And was right nearby.
An already awesome day, just got even more awesome.
Is that even possible?

Mylie and I secured some lounge chairs while Laura ordered us some lunch.

Mylie got to feel like a big deal out and about with the rest of the city dogs in Golden Gate Park.

We all went home a little sweaty and a lot happy.
I love me some dreary, rainy weather, but when it comes to adventures, warm California sunshine is where it's at.

As far as adventures go, this one goes down in the books as a perfect 10.

Linking up over here for the first time: