September Destination: Yosemite

For my 30th birthday, I wanted to travel to a place I've dreamt of my entire life. I grew up hearing about National Parks from my grandpa and knew Yosemite was one of the most majestic parks in our country. At this point, I had lived in California for SEVEN YEARS and had yet to make the 5 hour drive up to Yosemite. I was done staring at photos of my friend's camping trips and professional photographer's Instagram pages taken within the park. I WAS GOING...and bringing Brad with me!

I started planning my trip to Yosemite in June...4 months before my birthday. I learned the hard way that Yosemite's campsites book EXACTLY 5 months in advance. I was crushed and quickly learned that a trip to Yosemite takes a lot more planning than I thought. Many hotels within the park were already booked up for my birthday or were outside my budget. I had dozens of search tabs open researching the best hotels within my budget in various locations and settled on two for my trip.

Yosemite's Nature's Inn Bed & Breakfast

First, I chose a quaint bed & breakfast in Ahwahnee, CA just 30 minutes from the Yosemite south entrance for the first 2 nights. I couldn't be happier with my choice! Brad and I absolutely loved our stay at Nature's Inn Bed and Breakfast. Innkeeper, Sherilee was so friendly, accommodating, and knowledgable about Yosemite and the surrounding area.

Each morning her and her mother prepared breakfast for the guests. It was way more impressive than I expected! These ladies know how to cook and accommodate any special dietary request. I asked for sugar free syrup - and sure enough it was there waiting for me!

The B&B sits on a few acres of land with a main house surrounded by 5 rooms all named after landmarks in Yosemite National Park. Brad and I stayed in the "Half Dome Room." It is their smallest room, but was perfect for our needs. We had our own private entrance, balcony, and parking spot right outside the room. Sherilee would make our bed each day and leave a little treat on our pillows - which I absolutely loved! Those small details really go a long way for guests.

The main house is open for guests, where coffee, tea, and hot chocolate always available! They have endless movies, books, maps and information available in the living room. They even provide hiking poles at no cost for the duration of your stay! Brad and I played horse shoes behind the main house and took advantage of the hot tub one night. There is also a pool and free wifi!

Brad and I arrived to the B&B around 3PM and Sherilee recommend us to drive up to Mariposa Grove before the sun sets. It helped us get our week park pass ($30/per vehicle) without waiting in line. I recommend starting your day early to avoid traffic especially from spring to fall. Park Rangers recommend arriving before 9am and leaving after 5pm to avoid traffic congestion.

Day 1
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Mariposa Grove is located right inside the south entrance. You can park for free and take a shuttle up to the entrance of the grove. The shuttles come every 10 minutes. However, the grove is closed from December 1 to March 15 each year.

The grove has four trails ranging from easy to strenuous. After driving all day, Brad and I stuck to the easier trails. We started on the Big Trees Loop trail and wandered onto the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail to see the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree. I'll be honest, if you've been to Sequoia National Park this grove will not impress you, but it's a lovely walk for the entire family, including grandma.

Day 2
Yosemite Valley

We woke up bright and early for our journey into Yosemite Valley. From the south Fish Camp entrance it is another 28 miles to the valley floor. Once we turned around that last bend, we were greeted by the most spectacular view of the valley. I'd never seen anything like it and immediately freaked out (in a good way)!

We stopped off at the Yosemite Tunnel View turn off where hundreds of people were standing taking in the incredible vista of the valley. Don't spend too much time at this look out - the view only get better from the valley floor!

Vernal Falls Trail

We snagged a parking spot and used the free Valley Shuttle towards the Happy Isles stop to begin our first hike towards Vernal Falls. I used the All Trails app to find hikes through out the valley. Vernal Falls is considered moderate 3.7 mile out and back hike. Try to get an early start because this trail is very crowded. However, there is a half way point at Vernal Fall Footbridge where most people turn around.

Brad and I continued on towards the base of the waterfall. Lots of people were hanging out on the rocks eating lunch. Beware of the rock squirrels! They are use to people and will come right up and steal your lunch! I had to fight off the little dudes while checking my blood sugar and eating some snacks.

Next, we traversed up The Mist Trail towards the top of the Vernal Falls. The trail name becomes obvious when you climb up some very steep, wet stairs.

With very few people up top, it made it easy to take in the view and appreciate Emerald Pool right at the top of the falls. You have the option of continuing another 2 mile steep hike towards Nevada Falls. Brad and I chose to head back to check out the valley floor and El Capitan.

View of Half Dome from Cook's Meadow.

It had always been Brad's dream to touch El Capitan, so I was determined to make his DREAM COME TRUE! We parked on a turn off beside El Cap and followed a trial that ran parallel. We took a difficult route but eventually made it to a clear enough base for Brad to take in the majestic moment. We were able to watch a few climbers on El Capitan. Luckily, we found an easy trail back towards the main road before leaving for the day.

Day 3
Ashley's 30th Birthday!
Glacier Point // Sentinel Dome

The morning of my 30th birthday Sherilee stuck a candle in my yogurt and lit it so Brad could sing happy birthday to me. It was perfect!

Ironically, my brand new Dexcom G6 sensor I put on the night before failed. I spent the morning of my 30th birthday on the phone with a Dexcom rep. He did wish me a happy birthday though! Sadly, I did not bring another back up and was forced to adventure the rest of my trip without a Dexcom.

We decided to adventure up Glacier Point road to hike Sentinel Dome. It's a massive granite dome located on top of the south side of the valley wall. It was highly rated on the All Trails app, but I had no idea how spectacular the views would be! I was more worried about the altitude. I know it can affect blood sugar, and this was the first time I was going to a significantly higher altitude after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The trailhead begins at 7,700 feet with an elevation gain to 8,123 feet at the top of the dome. I stayed hydrated and hoped for the best!

The trail towards Sentinel Dome is pleasant, but nothing spectacular. You'll see the massive dome in sight and make your way around the right side in order to climb to the top.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD...the view from Sentinel Dome is unlike anything I've ever seen! It's the most miraculous view I've ever seen in my entire life. Hands down, the most beautiful place I've ever been. I could spend hours looking at the stunning 360 degree views. Pictures do not do it justice. You MUST experience in person.

View looking East towards Half Dome. If you look really hard you can totally see people at the summit!

Shot this Patagonia ad of Brad. Hey, Patagonia...if you're hiring...

Quick Blood Sugar check on top of Sentinel Dome looking East towards Half Dome. Coolest spot I've ever checked my BG. Oh, and P.S. I never noticed a difference in my blood sugar levels during my trip in Yosemite. If anything, I'm guilty from eating lots of snacks while hiking so my BG levels were slightly higher than usual.

View looking West towards El Capitan.

We returned to our car at the Sentinel Dome trailhead and drove down towards Glacier Point. We stopped off at Washburn Point to take in the view. You could see Vernel Falls, the waterfall we hiked the day before and Nevada Falls just above. It was amazing to get a perspective at how far we adventured.

Next, we adventured back down to the Yosemite Valley to check out Yosemite Village and Mirror Lake. Right as we stepped off the bus, the driver broke the news, "Mirror lake is completely dry this time of year." Brad and I were deflated, but still wanted to hike towards the base of Half Dome.

It's a gorgeous walk along a road for majority of the trail. It eventually breaks off into multiple trails around what would be Mirror Lake in the Spring. I'd definitely want to revisit this hike right after the winter snow melts into spring.

Narrow Gauge Inn

For my birthday, I chose to stay in a hotel closer to YNP located in Fish Camp, CA. Narrow Gauge Inn features a lodge, restaurant, and bar rich with history! The rustic lodge was built by some passionate hippies in 1951. Today, the inn is still run by some passionate hippies who will educate you on all the tiny, well thought out details they considered when building the lodge. Brad and I paid $10 each for their buffet style breakfast. It is nothing fancy, but worth the price.

September was my favorite trip of the year! I hope to make it back to Yosemite in the future. I'll make sure to visit when all the waterfalls are in their full glory right at the end of Spring.