I occasionally hear of people's first visit to Yosemite;
it's usually someone who was with someone
else when they first visit Yosemite, but this gal got her fill of humid
Louisiana and came west.
Here's her story:
"Hi my name is Melanie (deleted) and recently moved
to the noisy city of Los Angeles.
I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was feeling a bit
smothered with life and jumped into my car and went to Yosemite. I was
alone, don't hike all that much and decided I wanted a challenge. The
first day I went to Yosemite Valley took out all the unnecessary weight
from my pack after trying it on and realized how much of a girl I really
am. My pack must have weighed 60 pounds or so! Ouch. Then off I went to
Little Yosemite Valley. That was the most intense thing I have done in
all my life. It was so hot and I ran out of water along the trail where
you can see a view of Nevada Falls. You know I wanted to stop so many
times and give up but something kept me going it was amazing I had super
woman amazon strength. Then I finally got to the top of the falls and
pumped some water quick with my filter. Guzzled down three helpings of
my sport bottle , took some pics , talked to some beautiful people and
went on my way. I spent the night in Little Yosemite Valley. I was so
scared of bears from hearing all the hoe top of Vernal Falls) and cool
off ghee I am really hot..AHHHHH Talk about Shock my system! uhhhhh
yeah. I made it all the way back down to the valley and I sat down
and just started crying tears of strength, joy, hope, and I was tied and
wanted a hamburger *real* bad. Yosemite rocks! Only thing is I did
not want to leave. I saw deer, squirrels galore, and those blue and
black birds with mohawks who just thought they were sneaky enough to get
my food....they made me laugh. Oh I almost forgot the giant ants! Those
were so cool. I could go on and on............
I wanted to Thank You for creating this site. It was
helpful to me in many ways. I love your pics they are beautiful. You had
a big part in getting a girl who barely hikes, to hall butt to Yosemite
and do half dome! I know have a bug future in the great outdoors! Thank
You for giving me the opportunity to share a little bit of my story.
Although I drove alone, I was not alone the whole time. It was a bit
crowded at times but not too crowded. I met some incredible people, and
was amazed at how supportive everyone was along the whole way up and
down. A guy even gave me a camera at the top of the dome, I had left my
pack at the bottom and was so bumbed when I saw the view that I was
prepared to go back down and get it. When I told this guy as I am
flying down the dome he thought I was just plain old nuts and handed me
a camera.
Melanie 23 ...........Happy Trails!"
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