Yosemite National Park

August 2019 was the last time, but not the first time, I visited Yosemite National Park. When people think of our National Parks, many envision vast, majestic landscapes and Yosemite is the very definition of that. The first time I drove into Yosemite Valley, I remember a moment of pure speechlessness. Countless writers and explorers have tried to capture that feeling, but words rarely do it justice. It’s one of those rare moments when you are completely still, awed by the sheer majesty of nature. 

Yosemite itself holds a remarkable place in American history. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant protecting the valley and Mariposa Grove.  This was the first time the U.S. government set aside land for preservation and public enjoyment. This act laid the foundation for the National Park System we know today. Yosemite officially became a national park in 1890, inspiring future conservation efforts across the country. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite.  It contains over 500 mature sequoias, some of which are among the oldest and largest living trees on Earth.

Glacier Point sits on the south rim of Yosemite Valley. John Muir described Glacier Point as “one of the most striking and commanding of all the Yosemite views.”   From this single vantage point Half Dome and Yosemite Falls and where you can fully appreciate the scale and majesty of Yosemite’s glacially carved landscape.

In 2019, Marty and I stayed right in the heart of Yosemite at The Ahwahnee, a hotel that feels less like a building and more like a living piece of history. Nestled at the base of the granite cliffs, it’s one of those rare places where architecture doesn’t compete with nature.

Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee was envisioned as a grand lodge that would bring elegance to the wilderness.  Its design blends stone, timber and glass, framing unforgettable views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls.  Knowing its history only deepened my appreciation and sense of wonder.  Waking up to views of the granite cliffs glowing in the distance is an unforgettable experience