Call of the Wild

The start of this Spring Break allowed me to experience new adventures with my family. We spent 3 days and 2 nights at Yosemite, being guided to the best spots by a couple of family friends. I never realize how much I enjoy just being outside and exploring what nature has to offer. I also realized how much being in nature rekindles my artistic drive -- I found myself doodling more in my sketchbook and forming more substantial ideas while moving from place to place. Here's a visual summary of the trip:

Day 1:

Lunch at Iron Door, California's oldest saloon, featuring hundreds of dollar bills with customers' names on them, pinned to the ceiling and walls.

Light Hike towards Merced Grove, where I was able to pick up some natural charcoal from previously burned trees.

Here I am with Yosemite's kindest brown bear. He was nice enough to stop and pose for a mirror selfie with little ol' me. I forgot to take photos, but for dinner we had homemade rib roast (for me, it was the first time in over 4 years), salmon, and salad. Dessert was hot chocolate and banana-pumpkin bread, courtesy of my aunt.

Day 2:

3 mile hike to get super close to Bridal Veil Falls!

Bought new hiking shoes specifically for this trip, but I can't wait to use them more in the future.

I squealed because deer.

LOOK HOW CUTE

 No trip is complete until we look at some artwork. 

(more Day 2 & 3 photos to come... used my brother's phone for half the trip)

Day 3: Another light hike, revisiting some places but from a different perspective.

Came home to a double rainbow.

Tidbits:

• It was a relaxing trip... definitely something I'd want to do again.
• Perfect weather for hiking.
• Waterfalls are really cool.
• Deer, ducks, bluejays, woodpeckers and weird plants.
• New charcoal for art.
• Nice pictures for the blog.
• Only downside: where's the internet? 
• Why do they make small packages of snacks that are more than one serving? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of it being a small package?