Before She Marries

November 8, 2014
Murphy Creek Trail, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 3 miles

On a crisp autumn morning, I embarked on the Murphy Creek Trail with my newly engaged daughter, Julia. Our path into the park was graced by a tree adorned in golden hues. We stopped to snap a photo.

The trail began near the pristine Tenaya Lake nestled along Highway 120 at an elevation of 8,150 feet. Murphy Creek feeds into the lake creating a serene setting for adventurers.

To begin our journey, we ascended the dry creek bed of Murphy Creek, flanked by evergreens. Thin streams of water trickled down the smooth granite shelf.

We veered away from the narrowing creek bed and stepped into the lodgepole pine forest speckled with glacial erratic.

Tiny pinecones and soft pine needles were scattered around, while striped chipmunks scurried about busily storing food for the winter.

The footpath ascended gently through the forest, eventually becoming blanketed with snow from a recent, albeit mild, storm that had temporarily closed the high-country roads. The gentle climb warmed us as we strolled in the dappled shade.

We followed the tracks of deer and other animals in the snow, crunching over icy puddles while discussing wedding plans.

Unsure if we were still on the trail, we ventured over to a stretch of granite slabs and basked in the sun. The solitude was perfect—everything was quiet and peaceful.

A nearby exfoliating granite wall resembled the sloughing granite slabs.

After plenty of wedding talk, we retraced our steps through the snow, taking silly photos along the way.

Julia remarked, “We have all summer [next year] to hike together, but I bet you’re going to write something in your blog about this being our last hike before I’m married.” She was mistaken. I hadn’t planned to mention that this was likely our last hike before she becomes a Mrs. …until she planted that thought in my mind.

It was a perfect day spent with my daughter in the high country of Yosemite. I eagerly anticipate more shared adventures before she marries.