Yosemite

Sierra Spraker | February 28, 2022

It’s easy to claim you’re a writer. I did with the click of a button, but what’s not easy is maintaining that expectation for myself. So here it is, my small reflection of a weekend well-spent.

I recently returned from an extended trip to see some lovely people and spend time in the revered national park, Yosemite. Every time I go I always see something new, in this particular case I got to experience the valley to the fullest. 

This time of year is unique at Yosemite because the phenomenon known as “firefall” occurs. We didn’t see it, but what we did see was an incredible amount of people all hopeful to catch a glimpse of the special moment. Perhaps it’s a luck thing, perhaps it global warming. Probably both. Either way, in lieu of watching water light up orange we spent our days wandering the paths and riding the park shuttle around to various waterfalls, established forest strolls, and prestigious lodges. 

We set ourselves up in spots where we were graced with views of El Capitan or Half Dome. Yosemite is an incredible place, it always will be. This wasn’t a trip for the ages. There was nothing crazy which happened (other than fascinating insight into human psychology and what it means to “follow the heard”), but that’s ok. I was happy to make dinner with friends every night. I was pleased to breathe the clear air. The trees made me relax, but most of all I was able to feel extreme gratitude for the opportunity to step foot in a beautiful place.