Sunday Stroll : Autumn in California - Part Two

Though my Sunday Strolls are nearly always taken the same day that I post them, this time I am going to bring you the second part of my Autumn in California series.  We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains on our trip.

I do not have the right camera or skill set to do justice to the beauty of this place, but I have the right attitude to appreciate the peace and majesty of Yosemite and I hope I can share a bit of that with you.

Not long after you pass through the welcome center, you find yourself driving around the iconic El Capitan, pictured below.

In fact, around every curve, there is a panoramic scene that takes your breath away.

That is the Clark Range behind me.

Hidden within the vast acres of forest and rock and running water,

are hundreds of different communities of connected plant and animal life.  

The photo above is taken from the fen.

This habitat is so similar to the familiar cedar swamps on our own acres,

but edged in ancient trees and massive geological formations of granite and other rock.

We walked the quiet pathways of the Happy Isles, 

an area between two branches of the tumbling Merced River.

We walked the steep mist trail

with two grandbabies sleeping in a stroller,

while we marveled over the beauty

of our surroundings.

There was grandeur in the vistas,

and sweetness in the small details.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you peace.

Don't miss Steve's beautiful stroll, Out on the Prairie!