I just got back from an amazing vacation to Yosemite National Park. A place I have wanted to visit for years. I went with my good friend and hiking BFF Jazmin. Most people are not down to hike 15 miles in one day, but she is! We hiked about 28 miles in 4 days…the 3rd day being about 2 miles during our lunch break on the ride home.

We brought food to pack lunches and had lovely picnics each day, deep within the majestic nature. Thursday we drove up North, stopping in Sequoia National Park for a quick hike, followed by a nice dinner at a special restaurant where Manny and I ate when we visited the park in 2017. They had amazing Chili Rellenos, and we always wanted to return. I probably teared up eating those tasty chilis, remembering the fun vacation Manny and I took 6 years ago. Manny wasn’t a big nature fan, but he went with me that year to check out the Giant Sequoias.

We got to our hotel and relaxed for the evening, preparing for our big day in the morning. Jazmin had a free hotel voucher, so we were staying about an hour and a half away from the park, but worth it for sure! The next day we woke up early and headed to the park. It was a beautiful drive and we were so excited. Of course, lots of traffic getting into the park, and even more once we hit Yosemite Valley. The view after we exited the tunnel was amazing though. The place I always wanted to see, and pictures don’t even begin to do this magical valley justice. The first place we stopped was Bridal Veil Falls. Due to the extreme snowfall this winter, it was rushing and roaring. We got soaked from the mist.

Then, it was a long time of driving, looking for parking. The Valley is beautiful, but overly packed with tourists, ugh. We finally found a spot near the Village store. We walled by Yosemite Falls and through the Valley to our hiking trail. We chose the Four Mile Trail, a steep trail across from Yosemite Falls with majestic views of the park. It is strenuous trail, and thus not as not crowded with tourists. We appreciated the solitude and the other determined hikers on the trail. Lots of steep switchbacks, and constant views. By the time we reached nearly the top we were higher than the falls. We had an amazing view of Half Dome, the Falls, and the Valley.

By the time we got back down the trail it was evening. We walked back through the valley in the dark, stopping to gaze at the amazing stars. We even saw a shooting star! It was a very long day, we hiked about 13 very steep miles, and got back to the hotel after 1am.

Well rested on Saturday, we drove out towards the park. We stopped at a gift and antique shop, grabbing some magnets that we like to collect on our trips. Our legs and feet were sore from the day before, but we ending up hiking a secluded trail to a waterfall, about 10 miles. We then drove around the park (avoiding the Valley…too many tourists lol.). We stayed until Sundown before heading back.

Sunday we packed up and hit the road back to Los Angeles. We stopped at Pyramid Lake for lunch, and got in a couple more miles of exploring before rolling back into LA.

I am really grateful to have Jazmin as a hiking buddy. She loves nature and hiking and is willing to go on these long and crazy adventures. She is more of a risk taker than I am and kind of pushes me out of my comfort zone. We share an explorer spirit and drive to travel and see the world.

One thing I have always wanted to do is explore the many natural wonders of the world. After losing Manny, I was trying to think of a reason to push forward in life, a goal or something to fill my time and give me something to look forward too. I have decided I want to visit as many national parks as I can. There are so many beautiful places in the country, and I would love to explore them all.