May 24, 2015

In total, I visited San Francisco three times prior to committing to the move.  Yosemite National Park was one of the places I wanted to explore during my first trip to San Francisco, but I was not able to fit it into my schedule.  Even when I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, I never really found the time either.  For someone who loved to travel, I traveled the least during my first 8 months in the Bay Area.

When I finally found the time to explore Yosemite, it was also during the same time I found out my father passed away.  I was already in the park with limited reception.  I recall stopping by the grocery store to buy food for the day in the park.  At that very moment, I started receiving text messages and had a voicemail.  My instinct was to read my messages first.  I saw my aunt’s text, which read that everyone has been trying to get in contact with me and that my father passed away.  I did not know what to do or how to feel, but I listened to the voicemail next and called my mother.  For the remainder of my time in Yosemite, I did not allow myself to cry because I was with company.  I was in shock and still processing my emotions.

Reflecting back, I never had thoughts about death or life after my parents.  I’ve witnessed loss before, but even now, it still feels weird not having my father in my life anymore.  The only image I have of him is the face that never ages, the face of the time I last saw him, smiling.

Rancho Bernardo Bed and Breakfast – a barn suite and a 1,000 foot guest house, inclusive of a country-style breakfast made by Kathy, a wrap-around deck and picnic area (Update:  permanently closed as of October 24, 2016)

Tunnel View of Yosemite National Park

Lower Yosemite Falls – there were two trails leading to Yosemite Falls, which were lower and upper

When we look back at how much time has passed, where is the evidence that we actually lived?  I believe they’re through photographs.  I never liked people taking my photograph, but I’ve learned to embrace it because this will be the only memory of me caught in a moment.  This was a photograph of me taken right before the trail to Yosemite Falls.

I chose the trail leading to Lower Yosemite Falls.  For more information on the hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, check out this website

Yosemite Valley View – view of Half Dome and El Capitan

For more information, check out this website

I met a hiker who was passing through Yosemite National Park.  He shared that he was embarking on the Pacific Crest Trail.  The Pacific Crest Trail starts from Mexico and ends in Canada.  Along the trail, you pass through California, Oregon, and Washington.  For more information on the Pacific Crest Trail, check out this website

Tenaya Lake – one of the most beautiful lakes inside Yosemite National Park

For more information on this hike, check out this website

Toulumne Meadow – views of Cathedral Range, Lembert Dome, and Mount Dana

For more information on hikes in this area, check out this website

Glacier Point – a trail that offers a 270-degree view of the Valley, Half Dome, and 3 waterfalls.  

For more information on this hike, check out this website

Sentinel Dome – a 2 mile hike with a panoramic view of Yosemite National Park; I learned about this hike from another hiker when I was at Glacier Point

For more information on this hike, check out this website

Reflections

Life is short, but I’m blessed to be able to witness beauties of the world in times of discomfort, pain, and loss.

Where have I traveled in the United States?

United States