Our Yosemite Trip

So we just had our 2nd annual (we decided it's a tradition now) "all alone" overnighter to Yosemite.  Let me just say, it couldn't have been a more perfect trip!  The drive was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the food was great, the crowds were not too many, and we happened upon the best hike ever.  It truly was a dream get-away!

We stayed at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, right at the base of the falls.  It made for the perfect backdrop.

See what I mean about beautiful weather?  Sunny and mid-70s with a few whimsical clouds in the sky.

Our hotel room was cozy- especially without any kids in it!  I joked with Forrest that we fantasize about a hotel room for different reasons- it sure made for some good sleep!

Getting ready to go out to dinner...

I could not get enough of Forrest in front of Half Dome.  He has the ambition to climb it one day.  It could've possibly been on this trip, but we found out at the last minute that you need a permit, for which there was a waiting list.  Next time we'll do better planning.

It's such a beauty of a structure!

I felt drawn to the water, probably due to the warm weather.  It was a little chilly this time of year for swimming, but definitely nice enough to dunk your feet in.

I could've taken a nap on this beach; most relaxed I've felt in a long time.

On our first day there we rented some cruisers and went on a bike ride around the valley.  This was the most fun we'd had together in a long time, and I felt as free as I did when I was 10!  It was definitely a well-spent 20 bucks.

Trying to ride and look at the same time- everything was so breathtaking!  Forrest said it reminded him of The Sound of Music.

Upper Yosemite Falls, which we would like to hike next year.

My handsome buck out in the field!

This was near the top of our hike up 4 mile trail.  Let me tell you, this picture gave me some anxiety.  Forrest kept "pretending" to slip near the edge, knowing he was giving me a heart attack each time.  In fact I think my eyes were closed while I was taking this picture.

A little bit of a safer distance from the edge.

This was the river we soaked our feet in at the end of our 6 mile hike.

This deer came so close I could've reached out and petted it!  Only in Yosemite are the deer so tame.  I couldn't help but think of my kids every time we saw wildlife.

On our hike...

We hiked up 4 mile trail, but the trail was closed at 2.8 miles due to snow and ice, so this is where we stopped near the top for a snack and to drink in the view.  It was truly breathtaking to be at eye's level with Half Dome and the top of the Yosemite Falls.  We passed many nice people along the hike, including those two guys in the background.

I love this picture.  I want it in a magnet on my fridge.

The place where we were staying has a really nice food court, restaurant, and gift shop.  Everything is really quality and the food is healthy.  I had been wanting a Camelbak water backpack for quite some time and we found this pink one with "Yosemite" printed on it- a functional souvenier that I can use during my training!

We didn't get any pictures, but we had a wonderful dinner at the Mountain Room restaurant and lounge.  We both had the New York steak, which was a treat for me as I usually get chicken.  The food was excellent as was the service and the view.  We slept like logs that night.  It was such a treat to get away just the two of us; retreats like that are so rejeuvenating to a relationship.  I had some reservations about leaving the kids (especially my nursing baby Anthony) but none of my fears came to realization and my only regret was not doing it sooner or more often!  I already want to go back.  Thank you honey for a marvelous getaway.  It truly was a dream and I can't wait to do it again. =)