![Panorama of Half Dome from Above North Dome](north_dome_panorama.jpg)
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.
![Panorama of Half Dome from on top of North Dome](half_dome_from_north_dome.jpg)
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.
![Young Deer near North Dome, Yomemite](deer_near_north_dome.jpg)