Vacations are typically the time to wind down and lay in, so when my alarm went off at 5am on the second last morning of my trip to San Francisco , I immediately questioned my adventurous decision-making a month previous.
Three and a half hours later, though, I was in California's Sierra Nevada mountains . The early rise had been worth it - I was in Yosemite National Park, and was about to take in views and scenery unlike anything I had ever seen before.
Earlier this year, it was announced Wild Nephine National Park in Co Mayo was being twinned with Yosemite. The five-year 'Sister Park Arrangement' is intended to enhance the management of national parks and protect nature.
Famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees and the granite cliffs of El Capitan , Yosemite is almost like a green screen - its beauty is so vivid that it's hard to absorb. But there is one caveat. There is a high likelihood of spotting a bear.
The moment we set off, our tour guide, Brian, pulled up a slideshow of tens of photos of black bears he had snapped during his expeditions this year alone. Brian then launched enthusiastically into the possibility of spotting the animal , which was met with a chorus of 'wow's from the 13 other passengers on the bus. I was not one of them.
There are eight active bears in Yosemite, with a female and her cubs known for hanging out at Yosemite Lodge where there is an eatery and gift shop . Bobcats, coyotes, and bighorn sheep also inhabit the mountains.
Later in the day at Valley View, one of the iconic vistas, a couple informed our group that they'd spotted a bear just yards away . Hailing from across the pond, it was hard to comprehend. The close call definitely freaked me out.
The other near-brush was at Tuolumne Grove, a one-mile hike to see a grove of 1500-year-old giant sequoia trees. The cooler temperature, lesser footfall, and lower ground meant the steaks were even higher.
I'd love to say I could relax and take in the 3,000-foot high sequoias that towered overhead - dubbed the biggest on Earth - but the prospect of laying eyes on a grizzly creature was lodged in my head .
Thankfully, the day was far from overshowed by talk of furry friends . We took in Tunnel View and Bridalveil Falls where we walked to the base of the roaring waterfall. We swung by Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
El Capitan, "the center of the rock climbing universe," was a real highlight. Peering through telescopes to see climbers bravely scale the rock , we gasped when they appeared smaller than ants at a height of 3,000 feet.
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From the rich smell of pine trees, evoking a scent similar to butterscotch or vanilla , to the sparking blue waters and bright yellow meadows, Yosemite is a must-see for all visitors to the west coast . Animal and non-animal lovers alike.
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