2017 is a miraculous year in the world of tennis. After the magical Australian Open Win, the Federer Express kept the dream alive as he won his 8th Wimbledon Title. At this dinosaur age of 35, Federer became the very first man to win Wimbledon 8 times. I am still ecstatic that miracles do happen if we believe in them.
Ironically, modern life moves on fast and faster with internet, it is hard to slow motion these joyous and inspiring moments. I am learning to pause and soak in happy moments, when they come my way.
I am not complaining, and last two weeks of July has been great too.
My teenager went to Toronto for a 3-week summer program. I experienced a glimpse of empty nesting. When kids are not around, time travels at a different pace, there is just more time, it takes some getting used to, and it is nice. My husband and I went outside, watched the movie of “Spiderman” and “Wonder Woman” and took on a 3-day National Park itinerary.
Day 1 – Mono Lake, California
Mono Lake is among places I want to go since seeing its pictures. It is about 5 hours’ drive via the Sonora Pass. Sonora pass is the second highest highway pass at the Sierra Nevada, after the Tioga pass. My marginal acrophobia does not help me to enjoy the scenic route, I don’t dare to turn towards the striking mountain range.
I like the peacefulness of Mono County. Mono Lake is huge. The museum is worth the visit and the 1-hour guided tour around South Tufa of the lake is very special. I must say the lake looks different from the picturesque and mystic image on postcards. I wish I would have more time to walk around the lake at sunset or sunrise. That must be beautiful.
Mammoth Lakes Juniper Springs Resort is just about ½ hour from Mono Lake. It is a bit pricey considering we just sleep for the night, and the ski-in-ski-out convenience does not give much in summer months.
Day 2 – Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls
At this time, shuttle bus is the only way getting to the Devils Postpile National Monument. It is the second day that the Monument opens for the season, so we trade the Mammoth Lakes Gondola ride with a visit to the Monument.
I can feel the elevation of 2000+ meters. We hike from the shuttle stop to the Devils Postpile and then its top. The rock formation is unique at Devils Postpile National Monument, and reminds me of the special rock at the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark. From there, we take a moderate hike to the Rainbow Fall. Rainbow Fall is a site of beauty with rainbow, the rock and the waterfall.
(We end up waiting for 40+ minutes for a shuttle to take us back to the Mammoth Lakes Ski Resort, not to mention the very expensive $4 ice cream drumstick from the store.)
The 3-hour hike is a great way to feel refreshed from day-in-day-out responsibilities.
Yosemite Valley Lodge is near the west entrance of Yosemite National Park, and is about 2 hour drive from Mammoth Lakes, via Tioga Pass. At an elevation of 3000+ meters, the Sierra Mountain Range is striking and, for me, fearsome.
Day 3 – Yosemite Vernal Falls
The room at Yosemite Valley Lodge connects us to the meadow and the redwoods. With the comfort of a hotel room, we enjoy the nature just like we are camping out there. We take the Yosemite shuttle and do a 2-hour hike to the Vernal Falls Footbridge. As we hike up the Falls, the trail becomes misty, the path becomes steep and uneven. We do not quite make it to the top this time.
The Lodge has an outdoor swimming pool with a view of the Yosemite Falls, we take a dip before our 4-hour drive home.
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So grateful to be still in shape to do some good hiking in 3 consecutive days.
oliviatamccue 
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