Sweet Yosemite!

By Javier Espinosa
•
06 Jun, 2016
•

The sun dips below the clouds along the horizon ready to set. It shines bright in my eyes and casts long shadows on the forest floor. The air is chilled. I can see my breath.

Sweet Yosemite you are one of our best. How I hope you survive the relentless flow of the crowds.

I was stuck in a traffic jam in Yosemite Valley. It was the weekend. Crowds swarmed her waterfalls by the thousands. I decided to move to a far less popular area of the park. After a couple of hours hiking, I lost the trail, fell through a snowdrift, and soaked my shoes. When I found the trail again, I came across a family who said I was still an hour out from the lakes. It was already 3:30 pm. My shoes were wet and, not feeling any bit more encouraged, I turned around.

That night, I saw a burst of light in the western sky.

I went on a hike the next day to see a meadow. I left my knife and bear spray in the truck. Halfway into the hike, my instincts were screaming BEAR ALERT. I picked up a stick and started banging on every tree and rock on the trail. When I reached the meadow, I jumped up on a fallen tree which made a big noise beneath me. I immediately looked to my right and 50 yards away I saw a 500lb brown bear take off running - away from me, thankfully - into the far woods. It's power and agility was awesome.

This place is so special.

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A Turn in Luck

By Javier Espinosa • April 26, 2017

I came upon a beautiful little harbor lined with shops, restaurants, and boats both at dock and moor. I approached a man on a boat. I was seeking transit across the bay where a wildlife refuge and dunes hailed the sights of the harbor. He agreed to take me across the bay.

Dehydration and Exhaustion

By Javier Espinosa • May 31, 2016

It was 98 degrees by midday. The sun ablaze in a cloudless sky. I was out of water some 2.5 miles up the trail. On the way back, I took some breaks soaking in the cool baths of the creek. Quite enjoyable really, but deep down I knew time was running out.

Most of the summit is a blur, but I remember being shaky in the legs and hands, a little bit dizzy and disoriented. I stopped and threw up twice. There was little to no shade.

I kept telling myself I was going to make it. I never allowed the possibility of doubt, disappointment, failure, or giving up. I took my breaks, pressed onward and upward. I kept my thoughts on that icy cold Gatorade waiting for me and the cool AC blasting from Bertha’s vents.

Sexy Falls

By Javier Espinosa • May 30, 2016

I passed my time watching trout swim in the stream. Before leaving, I dipped my hands in the falls' cool pools and said, "thanks."

Heading west, I came upon a quaint little cemetery on top a hill surrounded by bluffs. It was Memorial Day. I stopped to pay my respects. Most of the vets who rest here served in WWII, others WWI.

One by one, I walked passed the American flags. The tears swelled. Flags were everywhere. Appreciation and gratitude flush over me, and I am happy to be in such beautiful country.