After crossing our last state border into beautiful California, we headed straight toward Yosemite National Park, which covers a wide variety of land, from the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges to the Toulomne Mariposas. The grandiose width of the park was unbeknownst to us, and though we had initially intended to spend only a day, doing some sort of hike, we quickly changed our minds, overwhelmed by the amazing landscape that completely distracted us while riding our bicycles. In the end, we spent a total of 2 nights and explored both Toulumne Meadows at a peak elevation of 9,400 feet on the eastern side of the park, as well as the western counterpart, where Yosemite Valley harbored gorgeous views of sheer granite rocks and lush waterfalls. Riding from Toulumne to the valley was a full days ride, covering 60 miles across and 5000 feet loss in elevation.
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| Half Dome. We had desires to ascend to the top of it. However, the hike has been restricted to 400 people a day and requires a permit, in order to reduce traffic. Apparently, people have died falling off the mountain - the hike necessitates the passage of some very slippery and steep sections and has few safety lines. |
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| Giant Sequoia Groves populate parts of Yosemite and are one of the most magnificent trees in the world. Finding yourself in a forest of sequoias makes you feel tiny. |
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| Inside a fallen sequoia tree. The hollow interior of the tree was wide enough to create a cave like tunnel, spanning the entire length of the tree. |
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| Deer roaming the meadows undisturbed by tourist and hikers . Their presence gave an added "wow" to the already striking naturalness of the landscape. |
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| Yosemite valley. Like a painting. |
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