Arriving in Yosemite, California
After 7 gruelling hours of driving through a Helter Skelter of woodland and rocks, we finally arrived at Yosemite National Park, California – and after peeking out of the window to take in the view, the car sickness and fear of driving off the cliffside all became worth it.
The closest accommodation we could get to the park itself was a motel situated a 40 minute drive from the outskirts of the park (accommodation tends to get booked up over a year in advance). Though not ideal if you want to be in the centre of the park or go on any early morning hikes, the local raccoons made the stay a bit more interesting, and if you sit in the outdoor areas at night the Milky Way was in good view.
If hiking in 40 degree heat isn’t your thing, there are plenty of picnic spots strewn around the outskirts of the park, where you have fantastic view of Half Dome and El Capitan, and scenic lake spots where you can safely have a paddle to cool down during peak times in the day.
Remember to take lots of snacks with you – being a tourist hotspot, the food in the actual centre is quite pricey and if you’re going on a long walk you’ll find yourself craving almonds and bananas! Water is obviously also a vital essential; if you’re visiting during the Summer the temperatures can rocket quite rapidly, and you never realise how dehydrated you are until you stop for a sit down, so make sure you’re sipping a good amount during your explorations.
Another notable point is to make sure you stick to the pathways and routes you’re given on maps, it can be easier than you think to take a wrong turn and end up in the middle of the wilderness!
Submitted by Freya, from Manchester
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