“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”   – John Muir

 

If I had to come up with my best guess as to what heaven will look like – the place where we will enjoy our Creator for all of eternity – the closest magnificence my mind can conjure is Yosemite National Park.  A place where the mountains are grander, the skies are bluer, the air is cleaner, and the water is fresher.  In Yosemite, everything is just…more.  I’m sure we’ve all seen images of one of America’s most famous national parks, but I can promise you that none of these images could ever prepare you for seeing this beauty with your own eyes.  I am trying to find the words to somehow describe these landscapes and wonders to you, but I am coming up empty handed.  One of my favorite things about photography is that it allows us to experience emotion and wonder and absorb the beauty of something without ever even needing words to accompany the images.  I am still in disbelief that Ben and I were able to spend time here, it was such an incredible adventure and I am so excited to share these images with you today!  May you be inspired by the beauty of Yosemite, and in awe of the wonders that surround us every day.

 

{You can also see the video Ben put together of all the footage we took in Yosemite with our GoPro!}

Ben’s cousin Jonny lives in San Francisco and was able to join us in Yosemite for a couple days of exploring together.  We got to meet his friends Camille and Mike, it was so great spending time with this bunch!

Well they all got up there no problem….now how to get down!

You can see why they call this Mirror Lake!

A painter was at work creating this beautiful piece of art, we spent some time talking with her and seeing how she brought Mirror Lake to life on her canvas.

We stayed at a cabin just outside of the park, accurately named Deer Crossing.  The deer cross the front yard every morning!

Ben and I enjoyed a relaxing day exploring nearby Bass Lake.  Don’t ask me how he got himself on that tree stump.

Mariposa Grove in Yosemite is home to a grove of giant sequoia trees.  Standing next to these guys sure makes you feel tiny!

To access Yosemite, there is a long tunnel that you drive through to enter the park.  The magnificent view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls is waiting on the other side – what a welcome!

Did some rock climbing around Lower Yosemite Fall – look closely in the left background and you’ll see my crazy husband back there!

We hiked the Mist Trail to access Vernal Fall.  A challenge, but this view at the top was worth it!  Look at the rainbow in the mist!

Total fan girl moment!!  Loved experiencing the Ansel Adams gallery and seeing all his famous portraits of Yosemite!

The wildlife in the park didn’t seem too bothered by the humans hanging out in their field!

Project 365