Yosemite

Last weekend, we decided to go camping in Yosemite on a whim. It was a last-minute trip, not only because we planned it the day before but also because booking a campsite in Yosemite is like winning the lottery.

We stayed at Camp 4, historically known as the birthplace of modern rock climbing. It was our first time there, and we immediately noticed that the crowd was different from what we were used to – lots of young people and climbers.

On the first day, my friends and I drove to Glacier Point and hiked from there to Sentinel Dome. On the way back, we stopped at several places: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, and Yosemite Village.

In the evening, our campsite neighbor Peter joined us. He’s a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago, 60 years old, and has been rock climbing since he was 13. It was amusing that just minutes after discussing climbers, we found ourselves sharing dinner with a man who had climbed El Capitan.

On the second day, I did a small hike around Yosemite Falls and the Village, where I accidentally discovered an old cemetery. I even saw a bear. Later, Oleg, Peter, and I hiked the Mist Trail. I won’t deny it was tough with the constant uphill climb, but every second of effort was worth it, especially when we reached the steps.

After the hike, we ate at Base Camp and relaxed on the beach before heading back to the city.

A few things to note:

• Be open to making new friends – at Camp 4, you share a campsite with 3-4 other campers.
• Assess your physical capabilities realistically.
• The Village has a daily schedule of activities (both paid and free).
• You can volunteer.
• Sequoia branches grow from the very heart of the trunk, forming a star when cut.

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