Yosemite Valley: view of an amazing work of Creative Power Prov. 8:30-31 "... rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in humankind."

We arrived in Yosemite late in the day. The sunset on Half Dome was spectacular.

Half Dome from the valley floor; later in the week we made it to the top of that rock!!

Amazing El Capitan, towering about 3,600 ft above the valley, is the largest known unbroken block of granite in the world.

Cinderella's dream fireplace at the Ahwahnee Hotel

The two brides by Bridal Veil Falls

Stream-side sisters

Lunch by the Merced, cool retreat in the heat of the day.

BRRRR auntie J! Too cold for baby David!!

Last look at Yosemite Falls--the tallest and most famous of the falls; they drop 2,425 ft in three sections making it the tallest in N America

Yosemite Falls is a view enjoyed from many spots in the valley.

Hike to the bridge at Vernal Falls--David and Sherri's first glimpse of the falls up close!

Around the campfire at Tuolumne Meadows campground, the night before leaving on hike to Valley floor.

Taking a rest before going up some more.

Cathedral Lake.we saw our first Bear here.the water and mountain views were stunning.

First stop, High Sierra Camp; panoramic mountain views, rushing stream, herds of deer in the meadow.

Fire was just above the trail we were on! We worked to put it out for about an hour before fire crews arrived.

Deer walking right by our tent at the base of Half Dome

Our only Bear picture! We were too busy chasing mama and 2 cubs out of camp and forgot to take many pics!!!

Leaving for the long awaited for Half Dome ascent!! How exciting!

Half Dome, only 2.5 miles away is a challenging climb with 1000 steps to cables that go up the steep granite dome

The views from the base were magnificent. we could hardly imagine what awaited us at the top!

More spectacular view on the trail to Half Dome; panoramic views and vertical drops everywhere we turned

One last rest before the ascent!

Going up The 1000 Steps (we forgot to count, but that is what the 'locals' call them)

Rest stop between 1000 steps and the cables (you can see the cables above J's head, straight up)

UP UP UP, Boy! Were we glad for the steel cables!! At this point I could no longer look over my shoulder without feeling dizzy.

At the TOP! What a view!

Having lunch on top of Half Dome

The valley below.from elevation of 8,842ft

Yes, we are as happy as we look! What a great feeling to be on top of Half Dome.

Descending Half Dome in the afternoon was busier than going up in the morning.

Dinner after the climb.we were starting to feel the effects of the day. Whew!

From the top of Nevada Falls on the hike back to the Valley floor.

Nevada Falls, the beginning of our descent to the valley. almost 4000 ft down over an 8 mile stretch.

Soaking feet and snacking before heading down the falls trail.

Corey on the steps going down the falls

At the base of Nevada Falls

Our next descent begins at the top of Vernal Falls (we were at the base just days before with David and Sherri)

Glorious view of the Merced pouring over Vernal Falls to the Valley below (smoke was from a different fire outside the park)

Vernal is Corey's favorite falls; 308 feet tall - beautiful looking out from the top or looking up from the bottom!

Rainbows in the refreshing mist as we descend the 700 steps to the base of the falls

With backpacks in front of Vernal Fall pool and mist

orey only took about 20 pictures of Vernal Fall. You are only getting a few! (True; but don't you think this could win a photo contest? CGK)

Jeanette's favorite view of Vernal from a famous boulder at the bottom of the steps where many photos have been taken

Jeanette looking down The Fissures; El Capitan seen across the Valley

Another vista (from Glacier Peak); fun to see where we had hiked from up above!

Jeanette looking at her favorite Royal Arches (our last night camping was at the base of that granite wall)

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