Yo-yo-semite!!!

As part of my recovery, Laurie and I decided to take a big trip. Yosemite had our name written all over it and we managed to sneak away for 6 1/2 packed days (including our drive to and from).  We were able to backpack for 4 nights and 5 days and it was such an amazing trip! We were a little bewildered after driving all night to get there, but we made the best of it! 

Here's a pic before starting our long, arduous hike up to the top. We planned to stay on the Pohono trail, which was sure to please with gorgeous views. We were not disappointed!!

The park has VERY strict rules about using bear cans. We had to plan carefully.

When we finally arrived to our campsite (Stanford Point), this was the view. I was SO tired, but it was hard to feel bad with this view!

This was the view from our tent!

It was amazing.

On day two, we headed to our next campsite, with amazing views on the way!

We ran into a couple with their horses. They wanted us to take a photo of them on their horses, just like the famous Roosevelt picture. I became buddies with this guy. He kept rubbing his head on me!

Our tent was very close to this beautiful swimming hole. I enjoyed a dip and some good reading. **sigh**

Laurie, getting some reading done.

I love wood!

We had a nice 12 mile hike on day 3 without our heavy packs! It was an awesome day! Here I am inching close to the edge at Taft Point.

A photo over the platform. This picture doesn't do this cliff justice!

Laurie seriously freaked me out here! She was applying a little too much pressure! This ledge is the same one that I'm standing on in the following pic!

I love this pic. It kind of helps the viewer gauge the magnificence of Yosemite!

There were super cool rock fissures everywhere.

If I were a tree, I'd want to grow tall in Yosemite.

Laurie and I resting after hiking 9+ miles. Time to head back to our campsite.

First, a cheesy pic of me inside of a tree=).

Contemplation.

Half Dome.

Yoga Fun.

More yoga fun.

Getting some much needed rest before more hiking on Day 4.

The wood picture opportunities were unreal in this park. I loved every little detail!

We stopped to eat some food at Taft Point. Laurie unpacked her bag and watched her sleeping bag roll off the cliff. We were in disbelief and sad because 1) Laurie loved her sleeping bag and 2) this meant we'd have to hike all the way to the car, cutting our trip short by one night=-(!!!! Not good!

Amazingly, I spotted her bag after one last visual sweep. It had hit a rock and rolled into a little hole! Laurie climbed down there (making me a nervous wreck) and she retrieved her beloved sleeping bag!!

SUCCESS!!!

I love this pic. No words!

We spent our last night at the same spot we started our trip. It was so peaceful.

Does it get any better than this? That is El Capitan across the way. At night, you can see the rock climbers head lamps as they sleep in their suspended hammocks.

Our last sunset.

Laurie doing a Sacral Chakra Dance!

Laurie waking up on our last morning.

I seriously did not want to leave.

The views as we were hiking down.

We made it!

Laurie had one beer and felt loopy! She was hilarious!

El Cap from the valley floor.

One last photo, driving through the rocks before hitting the freeway for the long ride home. This trip was a TOTAL success!!! I hope to go back someday soon!