Yosemite National Park, USA

Our route to Yosemite National Park was already worth the trip . . . we followed lonely, curving streets and passed through totally cute little villages with wooden houses (Katrin, it looked just like in “Stars Hollow”:-)). Jenny almost wanted to stay there.

After arriving in the Park we had to listen to all the “bear rules” again (although we are PROS now and also have a bear bell:-)), we put up our tent and cooked some more – what else – noodle snacks.
The next morning we were “early birds” and started our hike at half past six, because we knew from the Canadian parks: If you want to get there before all the Japanese tourists, you’ve got to get up early – by nine all the busses drive up!!!;-).

We were rewarded with absolutely unique, fantastic views over the Yosemite Valley and the “Half Dome”. Continuing on – close to 8 a.m. – to the Giant Sequoia Trees, “wow”, they are REALLY big (even for Daniel ;-))! The Grizzly Giant was the most impressive of them all: It is 2700 years old and the largest living thing on earth!!!!

That afternoon we hiked to the “Nevada Falls” and then to the “Vernal Falls”. After an exhaustive ascent (including 600 stone chiseled steps) we reached our destination and were able to view the waterfalls from atop. From here we could also watch how GOOD the Americans are at following rules and regulations: Just last year 30 people died from swimming in the pools BEFORE the waterfalls and being swept downstream. That’s why swimming is forbidden here and there are signs everywhere – only that almost every family with kids goes swimming here BEHIND the signs. Well bravo!!! – If something happens, just sue the park:-(!

For two days we enjoyed “pure nature” before we headed onto Las Vegas – a stark counter program – and with our pockets YET full (?) of money :-)