I have just returned from a rare trip overseas, my first to the USA. Among the things I did while there was a three day visit to Yosemite National Park, one of the most astounding places I have ever seen. Being autumn, the famous wild-flowers were long gone and the waterfalls were turn down low, but that didn't matter because the landscape itself is so eye-popping.
These pictures are of the famous half-dome, taken across the valley from an area called North Dome - about a 4 mile tramp from the nearest road. The photos really don't do it justice, the valley is like a Minecraft chunk error in real life, and the bare granite mountains go on for as far as the eye can see.
One of the cool things about walking in California is the wildlife. Coming from New Zealand, we are not used to seeing mammals walking around in the bush. I didn't see any bears or mountain lions (which I am quite grateful for, really) but squirrels, chipmunks and deer were all on view.
