One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books.”  — John Muir

I wore my JACKET all day yesterday!  This out-of-body experience was due to the 70 degree high temps at Pinecrest Lake, a half hour uphill from my mom’s house in Sonora, my childhood home in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California.   We’re feeling pretty lucky that our escape from Texas is paying off, since it looks like we are dodging the hottest summer on record in Austin.

Pinecrest Lake

Last Sunday, we picked up our oldest daughter at summer camp in Yosemite, the same one I went to a few decades ago.  She had a blast.  Exhausted, happy, but still a pre-teen (drats).  Who knew that archery is her THING!  Despite my nostalgia, I was a little envious when she was assigned the cabin that I’d always wanted  –  Tenaya!  Closer walk to everything.  Her counselor, Kristina, was a great role model.

As a kid, I spent my fair share of time in Yosemite, but I’ve never seen Yosemite like this year!  Record snowfall last winter and the snowmelt this spring has led to some incredible waterfalls.  Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall are just roaring and new falls have sprouted.   Bridalveil Fall gave us a soaking and treated us to misty rainbows.

Bridalveil Fall (620 ft. drop)

Glacier Point gave us a birds-eye view of Yosemite Valley.  Somehow, I had never ventured up there before.  Left me speechless.  Makes me realize that we are merely little specks in the big scheme…

Yosemite Falls (2425 ft. drop)

Half Dome (4737 ft. above valley floor)

Pinecrest Lake gave us a great picnic, some cool hikes and zero Rainbow Trout.  We did catch a “rock” fish and a “leaf” fish.  Sheboygen Mark, where are you when we need you?

Caught a "leaf fish!"

Next door to Pinecrest Lake is Dodge Ridge Ski Resort (OK, “resort” is a stretch), where I spent PE class on winter Thursdays during grades 6-10.  Yesterday, the girls were wild horses running through the grassy slopes.  Ah, to be a kid again.

Galloping @ Dodge Ridge

We miss Austin (and our dog), but it sure is great to let the girls experience the Big Outdoors.