John Albert Thomas Solo Piano

Yosemite 2007

In early June, eight of us men from Christ Church flew to Reno, NV, rented a van and drove to Yosemite National Park in California for a four-day hike through the wilderness and mountains. Never in my wildest imagination have I seen such majesty. The incredible view redefined the word “grandeur” for me. It humbles a man to his rightful place and exalts God to His rightful throne. It remains indescribable.

Day 1: We hiked from Tuolumne Meadows, past Cathedral Peak, Cathedral Lake and camped at Cathedral Pass (my favorite site!). Our esteemed leader, Big Horne (John), sprained his ankle 1 mile into the hike; fortunately little swelling. What an incredible view from Cathedral Pass! Saw coyote tracking deer. Mountain House tastes good, but rumor has it that Chili Mac may not be the best thing to eat in the wilderness. Sharing a tent with Tolkein (Scott). Night was cold…42F in our tent, ice on top of tent! Started sinus drainage, which hampers breathing on rest of hike. Altitude also affects breathing.

Day 2: We hiked through “Mosquito Meadow” (swarms!), up and around Sunrise Mountain, ate lunch at Sunrise Lake (cold swim for some) and camped near the base of Clouds Rest. Mountain House still tastes good, but another Chili Mac casualty.

Day 3: Mountain House is getting old; Chili Mac took its final casualty last night…all night! Hike up to peak of Clouds Rest (10,000 ft.). Top of the world! 360 degree panorama. Valleys and lakes below, mountains in the distance. (Second favorite site!) Finished long trek down to base of Half Dome. Legs just about gave out, and a grueling 10 mile hike tomorrow. Difficulty staying hydrated.

Day 4: Legs still in much pain; several blisters. Big mistake to eat Mountain House lasagna for breakfast before a 10 mile hike! Walk 2 miles up Half Dome. Very steep grade (on slippery gravel in spots). 600 ft. climb using cables to the top. Not comforting to find out that a lady died on the cables the day before. How does a 240 lb guy get up there? WORE ME OUT! Long trek back down past Nevada Falls. Lagging behind; took wrong turn at Vernal Falls. Out of water! Lady points me in the right direction. Rehydrate just above Vernal Falls. Continue down trail till I run into Navigator (Chad), who assisted me back to the group. Rested and then continued down the trail to the Valley. Civilization and pizza never looked so good! Too tired to socialize.

On our adventure we saw several bear, deer that walked up to us, coyotes, squirrels and chipmunks (who knew they could climb into backpacks to steal jerky!?), marmots and oh, yes, mosquitos!

All in all this trip was the most miserable, wonderful outdoor experience I have ever endured. (I’m waiting for the amnesia to kick in so I can get excited about going back.) It was well worth it!

In my next post, I will describe for you a very powerful, moving experience I had with God on the trail. Stay tuned!

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