Knowing we were embarking on a wilderness adventure I promptly adopted my Uncle Ian’s ‘don’t shave on holiday’ philosophy and attempted to grow a beard, with little success. Yosemite offered some of the most incredible scenery we have experienced. For Anna and I this portion of the trip was largely unknown and carried no expectations. For me it was one of the highlights. I’ll tell you why:
Anna, Mani, Matt and I went for a 6 hour hike through the amazing terrain up to Nevada Falls. The first 30 minutes of walking was done on concrete paths which seemed to be very American and felt like we were walking in a zoo exhibit. For those that don’t know, Yosemite is bear country. Mani’s entire reason for going there was to see bears, Anna on the other hand spent the whole time trying not to think about the possibility. We reached the falls and Matt and I decided we would attempt the extra 4 ½ miles up to ‘Half Dome’ while Anna and Mani chose to head back down. Two miles from the top, sure enough, Matt and I saw a bear. Arrrrrrggh! All rational thought evaporated with the saliva in my mouth. There were a few other hikers around so I, selfless as always, figured my odds of survival were pretty good as long as they stayed between me and the bear. Wisely we did not panic, held our ground and did what any tourist worth their Lonely Planet Guide would do, start filming! It’s hard not to feel helpless as all you want to do is run but that is the worst thing you can do. So my method of defence was to stand still and look as boring and inedible as possible. I can assure you that the bear was not the only one to shit in the woods that day. It was a happy ending and no one was mauled so we turned around once it was safe and never did make it to the top but I`m sure the views are magnificent.
Once we got back to camp it was certainly beer O`clock, the pressures of the day had been all too much to bear. After barely sleeping due to a grizzling baby in the tent next door we left for Vegas early the next morning via Death Valley which, incidentally, is a very bare landscape.
Sorry, couldn`t help myself.
Bear for now
Shit! I know!
Mani the trooper out in front. Trying to avoid looking at the 600 steps in front of us.
Below: The Team - Mani, Matt, John and Anna.
1 comment:
Kia ora team - Mr Swindells here (not Neal), just found your blog thanks 2 Wrigley....very well written 2 Prins I might add! As you had become a bit of an enigma in my life, I will now endeavour to follow your travels with the upmost diligence. Good to see your lovely mugs again - Great cricket all round!
Dan
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