Yosemite 2010

Yosemite is a land that was sculpted by glaciation. Our trek allowed us to experience some of the rugged beauty of the High Sierra Mountains and the impact of glaciers on this region. To help us acclimate to the higher altitudes, we used our first two days in the area to tour and day hike a few of the vistas of Yosemite. This included Glacier Point with its spectacular views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, Bridal Veil Falls, the Mariposa Sequoia Grove, and climbing Lembert Dome in Tuolumne Valley. Our trek began near Bridgeport, California and took us on what is called the "Benson Lake" loop. We backpacked for seven days covering approximately 45 miles with multiple days of over 2,500 feet of elevation gain and loss through the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Every step of the way we were met with awe inspiring scenery as we traversed five different mountain passes. From having snowball fights in July, to enjoying the "Riviera of Yosemite" on the sandy beach of Benson Lake, to waking up to frozen water bottles at Arndt Lake, each day brought a new adventure. For the boys however, their most memorable experience undoubtably was meeting up with a Girl Scout Troop on Burro Pass. The estrogen fix definitely helped ease their fatigue from a long and arduous day of hiking several miles and crossing two mountain passes.