So the second part of my Yosemite trip focuses on getting out of the valley. When one thinks of Yosemite, it's the valley, where El Capitan and Half Dome rise above meadows, the Merced River and the forest floor. We were looking for a place to swim and found Tenaya Lake. It brought me back to some camping trips in Oregon, Washington and Canada. Just the sun sparkling on lightly rippling water and a perfect little beach to sun on. It's about 40 miles from Yosemite Valley and off Tioga Road.
Tenaya Lake
As beautiful as the lake was, it was a little sad to see smoke from the fire above it. There wasn't a cloud in the sky except for the haze from the fire. Still, we managed to enjoy it. How could you not?
A perfect slab to ease you into the water.
I had to go back to the van to grab something and caught this view.
Three amigos
Rachel shot this photo of me in the lake.
There's nothing like a cold plunge in fresh water. All summer long, I have been swimming in rivers and the ocean. This was my first lake. The water was clear and pristine. I felt this burning desire to live near a lake so I could do this whenever I wanted.
I didn't want to get out.
Alright. Utterly inspired to get back to work!