Day 2 - Tuolumne Meadows and More

On their last full day in this magnificent national park, everyone knew that they had a busy day ahead. After leaving the cabin, they found themselves driving through the valley, which was covered by these beautiful tiny lavender flowers.

Here's Grandma, Mom and Dad looking up to catch a glimpse at the rock climbers hanging on the side of El Capitan. The nice gentleman with a tripod and high-tech binoculars informed them that it usually takes everywhere from 3 to 5 days to climb El Capitan, but one person scaled this 3,000 foot vertical rock in a couple of hours!

This is a picture of 2 climbers and their cargo hanging on the side. That is putting a lot of trust into a rope.

Next on the agenda was a long drive down Tioga Road over the Sierra Nevada.

Everyone enjoyed the amazing views at Olmsted Point. Mom and Dad said that they have never seen terrain like this before - just massive granite rocks amidst a few trees.

Here's an unusual view of the back side of Half Dome from Olmsted Point.

I just love this picture of this funky tree. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place.

After a half a day of driving and taking in all of the earth's beauty along Tioga Road, they had a picnic at Tenaya Lake, one of the largest lakes in Yosemite.

After eating lunch, Grandpa, Mom and Dad took off their shoes and enjoyed the cool, clear water. Mom said that the bottom was not muddy like our lakes, but sandy yet firm instead.

With a full stomach, they arrived to their destination, Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,775 feet.

Again, Mom keeps saying that these pictures do not portray how calm and serene this scenery actually is. For instance, this is a close up of the water running through this colorful river. I thought Uncle Mark might like this since he enjoys abstracts.

Tuolumne Meadows is a popular place for black bears. Although everyone looked long and hard, especially Great Mamaw, no bears were to be seen. Can't you picture a black bear meandering by this river?

Here's Dad relaxing and taking it all in.

Family portraits were taken.

and another gorgeous view enjoyed.

After leaving Tuolumne Meadows, everyone enjoyed a nice meal at one of the oldest mountain resort hotels in California. The hotel was built in 1879. It has no telephones, no television, and most of the rooms share a bathroom with the other guests.

Another good day has came and gone.