Exploring Yosemite Valley

We awoke on Friday to another perfect day in Yosemite.  This was the view from our window. The sun was illuminating Yosemite Falls (dry right now) (2,425 ft) The waterfall flows approximately November through July, with peak flow in May.

We ordered a continental breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit and coffee to get our day started.  We would soon be taking a bus tour of the valley floor.

We had to take a shuttle bus to the tour bus.  

Our first stop was this beautiful meadow.  The driver told us of the early history with the American Indians who lived here.

I zoomed in on the pretty golden dry grasses.

These are the Cathedral Rocks.

El Capitan is huge!  :-)

Our next stop was by the Merced River which drops over Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls, together known as the "Giant Staircase", then receives Illilouette Creek and flows into Yosemite Valley, where it meanders between pine forests and meadows that fill the valley floor.

A turn to the right to capture the rock cliffs.

Another turn.. I thought it was so pretty and peaceful here.

Our next destination is the view that Ansel Adams made famous, Tunnel View is a must stop for any first time visit to Yosemite Valley.  From this vista you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. 

The interpretive sign there helps identify the scene.

Typical tourist photo.  :-)

Our next stop was on the opposite side of the big meadow from Half Dome.  I was standing in the shade of this oak tree which was looking beautiful with the blue sky and the sun illuminating the gold and orange leaves.

The black oak trees in Yosemite Valley have been recognized as a valued cultural, scenic, and biological resource. Black oak acorns were a major part of American Indian diets, and traditional acorn collection still occurs today.

From under the tree I spied the Cathedral Rocks framed by the golden oak leaves.

One thing you find is how El Capitan changes appearance as you travel around the valley floor.. this is across the meadow.

Our last stop has my favorite view, really.. Half Dome reflected in the river from a bridge.  I can imagine people swimming here on the warm summer days.

The greens, golds and oranges of the leaves lend a distinctly Autumnal image.

OK.. the last one.. we got so many pretty shots here I couldn't choose just one.  :-)

A different shot of El Capitan.

The view on the opposite side of the bridge.

This Mountain or Pacific Dogwood tree's leaves turn a pretty peachy color.

  
Back to our room to rest up and get ready to head to the dining room for Dayle's birthday dinner.  The sun was lowering and lighting up the oak trees.

When I made the reservation for dinner I mentioned it was Dayle's birthday and requested a nice view, we were pleased to be seated next to a window in the "Alcove".  The best table was this one, but it was already taken.  :-)

 

I walked out of the alcove to get this photo of Dayle and our server.  The views out of the windows in the dining room are spectacular.

I had the Brandt Ranch Prime Rib, Fiscalini Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Yorkshire Pudding, Au Jus.  Oh my.  It was the most tender and flavorful prime rib I've ever had.  Delish!  Dayle had the Porterhouse steak and bleu cheese mashed potatoes with Guinness battered onion rings.

I was told you simply had to have a dessert here so I ordered the honey and lavender creme brulee.. oh my.. it was amazing!  The honey comb thing I almost didn't try thinking it was a wax comb.. but no.. it was honey cooked to a crispy stage.. I've never seen anything like it.

Dayle was given a special chocolate cupcake with a lighted candle and our server began to sing happy birthday to him and all the other diners joined it.. what a special moment.

I will have one more travel post on Wednesday and then we'll be back to our regularly scheduled program.. lol.  We're happy to be home, our little Mocha was happy to see us.  Shirley and John did a wonderful job of house and dog sitting for us.  Thank you both!!

I just wanted to add that almost all of these photos were taken with my new iPhone 11 ProMax.  

((hugs)), Teresa :-)