Drinking Yosemite Falls!

   Al and I made a quick two day trip to see the waterfalls in Yosemite last week. After hearing reports that they were full and flowing, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go and see them for ourselves. After spending the night in Oakhurst, we got an early start into the valley the next morning. It was chilly and somewhat overcast with a chance of rain later in the day.  

   Huge stands of dead pine trees mixed in among the cedars and oaks caught our attention as we drove along Highway 41 towards Yosemite, the result of drought and the pine bark beetle among other things. There were several thin ribbons of waterfalls coming down over cliff walls, even before entering the valley which was a good sign that water was more plentiful this year than in the past four years.

   Our first stop after going through the long entrance tunnel was at the Bridalveil parking lot, where we danced the polka on our honeymoon many years ago! Normally people can walk along a path next to the creek fairly close to the base of the thundering waterfall. On this day, however, gusts of wind were blowing the water sideways across the path. Even wearing rain jackets, we got drenched and to decided to turn around before reaching the end of the trail. 

   We drove on deeper into the valley, stopping at a scenic turnout with a great view of Yosemite Falls. New boardwalk paths across the meadows made walking easier and less muddy. The grass was very green and there were pockets of snow tucked away in shady places. After parking the car at Yosemite Village, we took a shuttle bus to the trailhead for the upper and lower waterfalls which was only a few minutes away from the village.

   On the way, the driver told his passengers about the change of the concessionaire company in the park which had resulted in new names for many familiar places, including the Ahwahnee Hotel, which is now the “Majestic Yosemite Hotel” and Curry Village, now named “Half Dome Village” among others. That answered our question about why there were new signs with strange names on the route through the valley. 

    From the drop off point, the walking trail made a two mile loop to the falls and back, with a spectacular lookout point somewhere in the middle. One lady from Florida spoke to us excitedly above the roaring sound of the falls.

   “Just listen to that!” she said. “This is my first time here. I’m so glad my husband brought me.” 

   I had to agree. No matter how many times I visit the park, it is always breath-taking, especially this spring with so much water available.

   On the return section of the loop, several teen-aged students were lined up in the middle of the trail, waiting to get their pictures taken. An instructor had them stand sideways to the falls, tip back their heads and open their mouths! One of the kids let me see the amazing picture on his phone…it looked just like he was drinking Yosemite Falls!

   When it was time to head for home, Al and I were both inspired and somewhat in awe from our Yosemite visit. Praise the Lord for the beauty of His creation, for providing rain last winter and for His never ending stream of grace and mercy upon us!

   Are you thirsty? Is your soul parched and in need of rejuvenation? Come to Jesus and drink from His River of life. He loves you!

 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10 NIV