About Yosemite...again

I know I've already posted a ton of pictures from my trip to Yosemite this year.  I haven't had too much leisure time lately, but I did stumble upon some pretty cool things about the park I thought I'd share with this random picture of the Nevada Falls Hike I found on my camera.

Yosemite covers about 1200 square miles of land (~750k acres).  The Gold Rush brought a ton of people to the area causing conflicts with the native Mariposa Indians.  This conflict became known as the Mariposa Indian War (ended 1851).  El Capitan is the largest granite block in the world.  Also, giant sequoia are the oldest trees in the world, some older than 3,000 years!

I actually didn't know most of that before going out to visit.  It's pretty cool stuff!

Yosemite: Hetch Hetchy & Beyond...

Do you see the Rattlesnake?????

The first couple of pictures were taken in Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park.  The rest of the pictures are from vistas overlooking the valley and from the Vernal Falls/Nevada Falls hike on day two.

Since my visit in 2014 (here) a lot has changed in the general landscape of Yosemite.  Namely, as a result of the drought, waterfalls weren't violently flowing, the Merced river was a tiny stream and driving into the valley was very different from the year earlier.  That's not to say that Yosemite is any less beautiful, but the differences were huge.

For anyone that is thinking about going to Yosemite, do it!  You will not be disappointed by how awesome the park is.  There's over 700,000 acres of land to explore and re-explore.  I opted to stay in a hotel outside of the park (which, the closest is about a 2 hour drive from the valley because the park is so huge).  There is organized camping in the valley but I would not suggest it.  Everyone is on top of one another and it smells like a bathroom :)

The best option would be backpacking and camping at your leisure.  There are park rules, so just adhere to them and you should be good.  The only other consideration is wildlife.  We nearly trampled a 4-5 ft. long Rattlesnake at Hetch Hetchy (see above picture).  That was a little scary especially since we were so far from help.

I look forward to going back to the park, but there are so many more in the states to see!  What do you suggest???

Home Again!

I'm back from California and what an adventure it was!  The picture above was taken in Hetch Hetchy in the NW section of Yosemite National Park.

It was another incredible visit to one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Though California is experiencing a very bad drought right now, there is still much to see...and since they're short on water you can always pack beer!

I'll have a whole slew of pictures to come!  Check back soon <3

Taylor Stitch Townsend Democratic Denim

Townsend or Townsand?? Link

Taylor Stitch's now archived "Townsend Democratic Fit" Kurabo Mills Indigo Denim is a solid home run.  Before I could get a post up, and I may be behind the times on this one, TS has since discontinued this particular jean.  Fear not, they have plenty of other styles to choose from--for men.  Being a lady, it is sometimes frustrating to buy quality selvage denim.  I do like skinny jeans and a little "give" to the fabric, but sometimes I want a solid pair of no BS pants!

The Taylor Stitch Democratic Fit is perfect for me because it wears like a boyfriend jean.  For guys, it is described as being a little looser than their regular sizing.  The 13.5 ounce denim is heavy duty and hard wearing.  I ride my motorcycle in these and they're durable and warm. Did you see the sick pocket details?  It's a map of San Francisco on the inside!

Hopefully TS will work on women-specific denim in the future, but for now this pair will do.  I'll try to post within the next year to highlight the fadings and such as it occurs. 

A New Outlook

Yosemite Panorama - Click for full view

There's something about the joy of today and the uncertainty of tomorrow that really puts life decisions in perspective.  My job of 3 years was making me increasingly miserable and something had to give.  Because really, it was just a job, just something I got through each day to make it to the weekend.  I hated it so much I went through phases of depression.  So something did give, I said to hell with this and to hell with putting myself through this all for a paycheck.  I put in my two-week notice and booked my flight for California. The only thing on the agenda was to hike a mountain or two, feel the pacific ocean on my face, and have an In-and-Out burger or 5.

It was simply awe-inspiring to be surrounded by such beautiful nature.  Everything else in life seemed small and meaningless at that moment.  So instead of dwelling on all the bad I left behind, I thought about how free I was from that point forward to pursue what makes me happy and to never allow myself to drown in and put up with BS like that ever again.

My new routine has begun back at home.  A new job and a new outlook on what is to come.  I needed this and I'm grateful for the opportunity.  That's what this picture reminds me of everyday, just how important it is to to never limit yourself and to constantly pursue happiness.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Lake Tahoe, and Sunburn

It all started with a vague plan and shrugs two days before hand.  Yeah, going to Tahoe had always been on the list, but were we really up for the added drive on top of all the other vacation destinations?  Excited about the rental car and the possibilities it opened up, the plan was firmed up and we headed out of Sacramento east to Lake Tahoe.  From sprawling suburbs, to big woods, to thick rural lands, and mighty elevation gains, we made it to King's Beach at North Lake Tahoe.

I twisted the key, stepped out of the car and was instantly hit with a cool breeze coming off of the water.  Much cooler in Tahoe than Sacramento that day.  We decided to eat a picnic lunch on the shore and take in the scenery.  Locals were bathing in the sun, walking dogs, out on the water, or kicking back on their balconies.

Soon after we started covering ourselves in some SPF 45 and put our lunch leftovers back in the car.  Off to rent Stand Up Paddle Boards and give it a go.  We went into the nearest rental shop, which has momentarily escaped memory, signed a waiver and carried our boards to the water.  Here goes nothing.  Don't fall over.  The water is icy cold.  Success.  We paddled about for an hour not wanting to be charged another $20 bucks, but definitely left with a strong desire to get a board and have it back at home.  SUP was a lot of fun and would be great for any type of water by you.  I'm considering one for the lake back in NEPA.  Any way, here's a couple of shots from the visit.  Somehow I still managed to get sunburned...

Highlights from Yosemite

16 hours of hiking over 2 days.  Vernal Falls trail and the Glacier Point trail (started in the valley).