We got up and started a bit later than usual. Such a cold morning, wow, everybody else around us knew and were prepared for this weather. We shiver and ate our first oat meal breakfast. Coldness delayed our departure from the campsite. Our first target is the meadow; leaving Tuolumne without seeing the Tuolumne meadow is almost a crime. There is a historical lodge with a guide from the Yosemite Association who gave us many tips of exploring Yosemite. He was so enthusiastic about Yosemite like a proud Dad talking about his daughter. Jesse decided to follow his step by joining Yosemite Association, which got him a nice Nalgene bottle. After the discussion about where we hike today, we decided on Galor Lake.

Galor lake is right by the Eastern Entrance, low key, steep, and short hike. As soon as we peaked we could see the meadow and the Galor lake. Color is beautiful and serene. We circled around the lower lake after Jesse won the Paper, Rock, Scisor. This place reminded me of Glacier park. As we were passing the lower lake to the upper lake, I spotted the furry thing on top of a boulder. Yes, it was a ground hog looking animal enjoying the sun: Great comical scene resembling Peanut laying on his doghouse. After the quick laughter and a picture, we arrived at the upper lake. Now this is what we wanted to get to. Alpine lake with an island backed by mountains, opening mouth to the valley and meadow. Lunch and Jesse's skinny dipping took place, followed by a nice break and discussion about women. Thanks to the Yosemite Association and that man, we really enjoyed that hike.

After taking a scenic drive, we marched into the Yosemite Valley. Wow, my first time ever, this is the entrance to the Great Kingdom of Camping and Hiking. This scenery is as overwhelming as Grand Canyon. Our necks were soar from looking up giant granite mountains. Hmm, there is something royal and prideful about this canyon. Second wow was the camping village. Our campsite number was 519, that says something about the hugeness of this place. We see many different people dwelling here. Kids were riding bicycles, others hanging out with a loud music, more others just enjoying the air and atmosphere. Well, Jesse was almost having a seizure. "This is too much," he said. Hybrid shuttle bus to the Ranger on the horse, and thousands of people satisfying desires. This is the biggest city that we come across so far on this trip. I did not think that the National Park could have this many people. We set up the tent, and decided to take a dip in Merced River. Clean and cool water of Yosemite welcomed and baptized us to be the official camper!! In this river, we showed our Santa Fe pride to the Yosemite. We created the dam with artistic style. Seven to Eight monolith on the natural rock dam with center piece in the middle!!! Yeah Santa Fe!!

Time was running out and we hurried ourselves to Happy Isle Trail Head for the Vernal Fall. We were so lost trying to catch the shuttle, so we hiked up to the trailhead. After passing the biggest trail we have ever seen, the trail became narrower and steeper. Third wow was the steps to the Vernal Fall: Steep, Large, and Narrow. It was a tough getting up there with time constrict, however, the sight of Vernal Fall encouraged us to go on top of it. Large, with a deep and breaking sound of the fall astounded us. It is BIG!! After topping the fall, the night was crawling into the valley. The Emerald Pool was not the emerald color anymore, but dark mirror reflecting our thoughts about the hike. After receiving good energy from the pool and the fall, we carefully exited the canyon. Here we discovered new usage of head lamp. I put my headlight in the crotch wearing like a pants to shine the stairs. Wow, how easy and safe that descend was. Thanks Jesse for the idea. It worked and definitely funny as SNL.

What is more funny was the wood we bought from the Grocery store. It just did not burn well. Jesse, the camp master, put all of his breath and his pride into the fire to roast the hot dog. He had his first near death experience. He was so out of oxygen, when he got up, everything faded, and he had flush back of his entire life. With sauteed onion and cheese, hot dog tasted way good!! Thanks Jesse for risking your life. . .

This valley offered us good question about the balance of sustaining the integrity of the park and accessibility of the park. I encourage everybody to visit this place at least once.

Seish