California, USA:
When I was 8 years old, my dad took me, my sister, and my cousins on an unforgettable backpacking trip to Yosemite National Park in California. This three-day adventure is one of my most cherished memories and played a huge part in shaping who I am today.
Starting at Tenaya Lake
We began our journey at Tenaya Lake, a beautiful spot surrounded by big granite peaks. The air was fresh, and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as we started hiking. For an 8-year-old, Yosemite’s wilderness was both scary and exciting. One part of the trail crossed a small stream, and I had to take off my shoes and socks, walk across the water, dry my feet, and put my shoes back on. For some reason, that memory stands out to me to this day.
Camping Under the Stars
The first night, we set up camp under a sky full of stars. Away from city lights, the stars were incredibly bright. We packed only the essential food for the trip, so no roasting marshmallows this time sadly! But I remember it was this trip where I first learned how to shuffle and cut cards. It sparked my love for playing cards, a hobby that has stayed with me ever since.
The sounds of nature were comforting as we fell asleep in our tents. We had to put our food in bear canisters to keep it safe from the wild bears that roam Yosemite, which added an extra layer of adventure to our trip.
Climbing Half Dome
The hardest and most memorable part of our trip was climbing Half Dome. We woke up early, packed our gear, and headed to the big granite peak. The hike was tough, especially for my small legs, but the excitement kept me going. The large stone steps leading up to the cables were steep and tiring, each step requiring effort and determination. I thought they would never end!
At the base of the Half Dome cables, there were piles of old leather gloves left by other hikers. We picked out gloves and got ready for the climb. When we got to the cables, I felt both scared and excited. The climb looked hard, but my dad’s encouraging words and my family’s presence gave me the courage to start. Holding the cables with my gloved hands, I slowly made my way up. It was tough, but reaching the top felt amazing.
The View from the Top
Standing on top of Half Dome, I saw an incredible view of Yosemite Valley. The vast landscape, the high cliffs, and the distant waterfalls were breathtaking. Despite my young age, I felt a deep connection to nature and a strong sense of achievement.
Climbing down the cables was far less scary. With my fear gone, I confidently made my way down, picking up speed until I was nearly jogging. Oh the fearless youth!! On the hike down to the valley, we passed the stunning Nevada Falls and Yosemite Falls, their roaring waters adding to the beauty of our journey.
The Best Pizza Ever
After the long descent into Yosemite Valley, we were tired, filthy with dirt and sweat, and ravenous. We headed straight to Yosemite Village for pizza. At that moment, it felt like the most delicious pizza I had ever eaten! I also vividly remember the raccoons hanging around, waiting for tourists to drop something edible or turn their backs on their food.
Reflections
Looking back, that trip to Yosemite was more than just a vacation. It was a test of endurance, and a bonding experience with my family. It taught me the value of perseverance, the joy of conquering fears, and the magic of getting out into nature.
This adventure with my dad and the rest of the family is one of my fondest memories. The experience shaped my confidence, and paved the way for my love of adventure and exploration. Yosemite remains one of my favorite places in the world, and I’ve returned to climb Half Dome about six or seven more times since that first trip.