Where in the World?

I left work early as did everyone else. My company calls it “early release” and it typically happens right before a three day weekend. I quickly drove home, grabbed my GPS receiver, some water and my camera.

I decided to take a hike this afternoon as the week had been long and somewhat challenging. A lengthy hike was just what the doctor ordered. The sky was partly cloudy with many patches of blue sky. The temp was 75^oF. It was a perfect afternoon and shouldn’t be wasted sitting inside.

I went down to one of my favorite hiking areas in Rhode Island; Arcadia Management Area. Here’s a link to the topo maps for the area.

I hiked on a trail that went to a body of water called Deep Pond. Before getting there I made a slight detour and walked along a trail that took me to Hemlock Ledges which gave some very nice views of Beach Pond (top left photo).

After enjoying the views I traced my steps back to the turnoff to Deep Pond. After another mile of hiking I arrived at this lovely pond (see photo to the right). I spend a little bit of time here and then headed back to my car.

Overall the entire hike was about 3.20 miles which was just about right for me today. I got to enjoy the beautiful weather and spend some quality time under the forest canopy.

It’s the kind of therapy I was looking for.

Michael

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park is one of the more beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen. The trail starts at Happy Isles Bridge and is 0.75 miles to the footbridge that crosses the raging Merced River.My daughter and I hiked to the top of Vernal Falls via The Mist Trail. I was not confident in my physical endurance to make it to the top as the trail is 0.5 miles of extremely steep grade from the footbridge. It’s basically a staircase. A lot of the steps are over sized and require continuous leg strength. My daughter was very persistent and I started the hike.

I stopped numerous times to catch my breath and let my legs settle down from the exertion. But during each stop I was able to view the waterfall from very close. The roar was almost deafening. We saw multiple rainbows in the gargantuan amount of mist that was thrown up from the pounding water.

The hike to Vernal Falls is a lot like life. Some parts are steep and require more effort while others are flat and easy-going. Some spots are rocky and others are almost soft. Around every corner is a surprise or great view. Some spots are sunny while others are dark. You meet all sorts of people along the way. Many moments will take your breath away. Focus on each step and not your destination. Friends and family make the journey more enjoyable.

I think the best advice is to wear good shoes and drink lots of water.

Michael

Yesterday, my daughter and I took a 3.5 mile hike on trail that started near the parking lot of Inspiration Point which is on the south side of Yosemite Valley. Our destination was the Old Inspiration Point about 1000 foot elevation above where the new Inspiration Point is located. Most of the hike was over 5000 foot elevation.

The hike was difficult mainly because we were not in great shape. But after many stops for rest, we finally reached our destination. Patches of snow became common place but the temperature was around 60 degrees.

After a short rest, we headed back down. The views of Yosemite Valley were breathtaking. Around a 1/2 mile from our car, we stopped to enjoy a grand view of the valley with El Capitan on the right and Bridalveil Falls on the left.

We were able to witness a full rainbow in Bridalveil Falls. This was not an ordinary half circle rainbow. The subtle colors (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) were in the mist itself. So, the effect was like shining multi-colored lights on the waterfall with purple being on the bottom and red on the top. It was quite stunning. I had never witnessed anything like this before. My daughter and I watched transfixed for about 15 minutes. And then it was over.

If we had arrived as little as 2 or 3 minutes earlier we would not have seen the rainbow within Bridalveil Falls. We came to the realization that all the events of the day actually led to us being at the right place and at the precise time to view this extraordinary natural event.

Magic exists in the world. All we have to do is have the patience, belief, practice going with the flow and we will experience and participate in it.

Magic can be right around the corner. Are your eyes, mind and heart open?

Michael