We have been told that the early bird eats the worm, so we got out of our covers and got ready for an exciting trip. We expected snow as my father had said that the weather news hinted that such phenomenon was possible. As we passed the curvy mountains, the rushing water excited us. The Merced River was pushing past the rocks with ease. It was invincible and we were awed at its power. But the fun had only begun. We paid our admission and the first task we had was deciphering the map. At least we had finally made it to Yosemite.
First, we stopped by a tunnel. There was a parking lot over there populated with people and we felt like we should go with the flow and check out what was so interesting. And there it was. As I stood t the edge of the mountain, I could see a waterfall in the distance. The sign below said that the big mountain on the left was El Capitan. Half Dome should have been on the right, but the fog hid its features. We took a few pictures and we went back to the car. The drive was longer than we anticipated. We did not stop until my father felt like doing so. After what felt like hours, the car hit the brakes. We got out of the car and gasped for fresh air. Then, my father led the way. We hiked up a trail and as we walked further, we could hear powering thunder. But the sky was bright blue. After walking a bit, the forest cleared and we could see a waterfall at the end of the trail. We hiked up the trail fighting against the force of gravity and at the end if the trail was a bridge right in front of the waterfall.
I had gone deaf. The mist flowing past me was cool. But my brothers were jumping up and down, as if they could suck the fresh feeling of water. As my mother took pictures, my father looked towards the right side of the waterfall.
"We can get closer by moving our way through those rocks," he said pointing at the right.
As we walked up on the pile of rocks, I occasionally slipped my foot a little, making my heart skip a beat. Next thing I knew, I was there, near the top. My uncles were waving at the bridge, hoping they were being filmed. My father joked around, making it look like he was about to dive in the water. But I looked towards the waterfall. I spread my arms open as an eagle would spread its wings. I felt the water vapor pushing against my chest and true freedom was at my step. I closed my eyes and heard everything. I could hear the thundering water stomping against the rocks with cruel force. I could hear the birds, singing its chants in the forest nearby. And I could hear voices far behind, talking in excitement. All my problems were gone and only peace rested in my thoughts. I opened my eyes and turned back.
We went to many other places, but that waterfall remained in my head. Vernal falls is a magnificent sight. Everyone should take their time to visit it. Sometimes, people dwell too much on the materialistic world and never take their time to appreciate the beauty of nature, which is hiding around us. Yosemite is a beautiful place. It is probably the most beautiful place in California. Even my forever arguing brothers would agree.
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