July 30, 2013
Tuolumne Meadows
Chris and I packed a lunch then headed to Yosemite National Park where we spent a lazy afternoon by the Tuolumne River. Up that high it was 20 degrees cooler than at home.
Across the river we watched ground squirrels called picket pins standing sentry while other tiny rodents made their way to the water’s edge for a drink. We saw mule deer and a variety of birds. There were a few wildflowers blooming and lots of copper-colored Fritillary butterflies.
Alas, our private paradise was interrupted when another couple sat across the river from us, but it was time to leave anyway. We packed up and headed to the car. Looking east as we walked out, the mountains in the distance were obscured by the incessant smoke covering most of Central California from the Aspen Fire that started over a week ago.
Before leaving the area, we stopped at the Tuolumne Grill for a soft-serve ice cream cone. It was a pleasant afternoon and always a treat to get away from the heat.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Awww…at least you had a photo of that perfect cone. You are so lucky to be able to picnic in such a perfect spot.
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Thanks for reading….we ARE lucky. And I picked up the ice cream and ate the melted mess anyway. 🙂
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somehow that fits my sense of your character– and I bet the ice cream tasted just as sweet!
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Your senses are right on, Robin. 🙂
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Another day in paradise! It looks so peaceful and relaxing. Nice that you were able to spend the time together.
Dad
PS: I ain’t gonna study war no more! Does Chris, being an Eagle Scout, remember all the words to the “Down By The Riverside” scout song ?
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It WAS peaceful and relaxing, and not too far to walk. The cool water actually felt good on my sore foot.
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This may sound strange but, I felt a little perturbed at the other couple for invading YOUR special out-of-the-way spot. Someday I will visit Yosemite in person… but until then, I will enjoy the sights through your eyes.
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Thanks, Ellen. 🙂 I hope that someday soon you get to visit Yosemite in person.
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So serene! I’m glad you got to eat the ice cream anyway. It seemed like a perfect ending to your day.
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Thanks for reading, Carol. 🙂
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Sounds like another beautiful day on the hiking trail. Except for when the top of your ice cream fell off! It reminds me of when I drove to town to get ice cream right before that storm and the top of my ice cream fell off, too. So disappointing!
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Lovely post, with a surprise ending!
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That it was. 🙂
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I had to smile when I read about the ice cream falling into your lap. I thought that things like that only happened to me. 🙂
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