Here is our lovely campsite on the river complete with our very own bear box! This is the first park where we had to use one because the bears are now emerging from hibernation. Unfortunately, we didn't have any bear sightings. Yes you read that correctly, I really want to see a bear. Only a black bear though, I have no desire to see a grizzly anywhere close to me, lol.
We headed to our climbing spot and caught another beautiful picture on the way.
We arrived to the parking lot which wasn't too far from the valley and we had to hike in about 15 minutes to get to the climbing wall. Evan selected a route on the Pat and Jack Pinnacle that was a 5.8 Sport climb. The ledge at the top of this picture was the goal and it was about 60 feet high.
We prepared for the climb and had to take a pre-climb selfie! Yosemite is the birthplace of rockclimbing so both of us were very excited to get to climb here.
Evan did the lead climbing and then it was my turn to top rope climb.
I have only ever climbed at indoor gyms so my adrenaline was definitely pumping. The beginning of the climb started well but then about halfway up I got to an area where the holds were pretty scarce. I tried and I tried and I tried to figure out how to get past but I was stuck and getting tired fast. I almost gave up completely but then I had a mind battle with myself as I looked around at the views. I told myself that I was climbing in Yosemite, the birthplace of rockclimbing, and the only option was to get to the top for the rewarding views. I took a few deep breaths and I pushed on. I climbed my little heart out and I finally got to the top! I was so proud of myself! And the views were totally worth it!
Evan got a picture of me on the way down and as soon as my feet were planted on solid ground we took a victory selfie! We were both so happy that we got to climb here!
Evan climbed back up to get the anchors and rope and I took a few more shots of him repelling.
We finished up around lunch time so we ate some sandwiches before getting back on the road. On the drive out of the valley area we caught more great shots of some of the park's main attractions.
We had two very awesome days at Yosemite NP making it one of favorite stops so far on the trip. You can see the happiness written all over my face!
The plan for tomorrow is to visit Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. We had about a 3 hour drive to get there and shortly before arriving at Kings Canyon NP we got rewarded with some amazing sunset views and even some moon shots. Another great sunset to close out another amazing day!
We arrived at Kings Canyon National Park around 8pm and we found a spot at Azalea campground.
We are both super exhausted from the past 2 days and we have another busy day tomorrow so we ate some snacks and hit the sack. Can't wait to see some more big trees tomorrow!
Lesson of the Day: Don't forget that if you really want something all it takes is putting your mind to it and anything is possible!
Word of the Day: piton
Lesson of the Day: Don't forget that if you really want something all it takes is putting your mind to it and anything is possible!
Word of the Day: piton