One of the most exciting periods of any hike is locating the beginning of the trail. Finding the trailhead and confirming that indeed you are on the correct path is major step number one! This, at least for me, is where the anticipation begins to build!
The beauty of hiking is as Forest Gump pointed out: “My Momma always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.'”
The same can be said about new hikes: “You never know what you’re gonna get.” The photo above looks like a nice, level, relatively easy to follow meandering path, but that can change in a matter of a few feet. There can be a drop off or a sudden steep incline. You just can’t tell until you get there.
Additionally, I am always wondering what I will find around the bend. Will there be a bird I have never seen? Will I encounter a large mammal? Will there be a pond or a river? What beautiful vistas will I be able to capture with my smartphone or camera?
Any step along the way can become a revelation. I have friends who don’t understand why I like to hike. After all, it can be hard work…but it is an adventure and often one that only a select group of people attempt. When someone tells me to “Take a hike,” I am often glad to comply.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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