Northern California

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From S. California we drove up I-5, central state, passing long stretches of grapevines, rolling green hills, and sheep. Quite different from the dry rocky hills of the southern desert. Mid-afternoon we arrived at Yosemite National Park and at once were enthralled by the towering pine trees surrounding us. We drove tight curves embanked by several feet of snow to one side and long pine covered hills dropping off the other side. We stopped to stomp through the snow to see the Mariposa Grove. Paths alongside clear, cold streams racing over rocks led us to the majestic Giant Sequoias. Pictures just can't do these beauties justice, they were truly majestic.

On the way to the valley where we were to camp the next two nights, we passed El Capitan and Half Dome, rock cliffs that the world's best climbers seek to scale. That night we made our first campfire and cooked hot dogs and made s'mores, we're glad to have a husband/dad who was a Boy Scout : ) After we'd finished up our daughter asked me to take her to meet our neighboring camper's dog, a tiny long-haired chihuahua. After she was introduced to Pablo, we chatted with his owner who was returning from a road trip with red cross through Central America. He shared stories of his adventures and let the kids carry Pablo around and taught them how to train their new little friend to sit and to come. It didn't take our little girl long until she was in love with this little doggie. The heartbreak came the next day when we had returned from our day's hike and Pablo had moved from his campsite. Poor girl cried the rest of the evening! Oh dear, what are we in for?!

That next day we found ourselves caught up in somewhat of a romance as well. Not the puppy-love kind, but rather in love with the rich beauty of Yosemite. We first hiked out to Mirror Lake, aptly named for the way the surrounding trees and mountains reflect upon its still waters. We walked further up the path to a quiet place where we could sit and drink in some of its stillness. After the kids had been still enough and also finished their Junior Ranger pages they had to drag dad away.

While on our treks that day we were aware that bear had been seen in that area. Bear lockers are provided at each campsite for storing all food items, since many a vehicle has been damaged by bear smelling food inside. Although it would have been neat to see bear from a safe distance, we missed seeing one that had been by Mirror lake moments earlier. Later when hiking by the powerful Yosemite Falls, which is at its peak in spring, we stopped to watch a bobcat stalking. At another place we saw a beautiful Steller's Jay fly by, showing its brilliant blue wings and velvety black head and back.

We could have explored and observed and enjoyed for days, but alas we had to say good-bye to Yosemite, and good-bye to Pablo. We drove further north to Davis near Sacramento where we stayed a night with friends who had worked with ZDL for a season. We had a wonderful time exchanging stories and updates. We also enjoyed playing croquet, spraying the hose, and looking at garden flowers. Throughout our trip we have been richly blessed with opportunities to enjoy the beauty of God's creation not only through nature, but through the love, generosity, and welcome of fellow Christians.

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Photos

Really is amazing
Though the cloudy sky washed out the pictures ;(

Comments

[Mom]

That's ok, Selah
God has all the dogs you could want on the new earth...and you're getting a peek at that earth as God meant to be now...WOW!