July 22, 2025
Lyell Canyon, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 8 miles
We stood at the edge of Lyell Canyon, my sister and me. The river curved gently through the meadow. The water was so clear we could see fish gliding between the rocks.
I knew this trail like an old friend having traveled it many times on day hikes and backpacking trips. Its rhythms hadn’t changed. Its moods animated by the steady stream of backpackers—devoted hikers delving deeper into the wilderness. Even the way the sunlight filtered through the pines was nearly the same. It felt good to experience its familiarity.
My sister moved quietly, her fingers brushed against the bark then rubbed pine needles taking in their scent. It was her first time here.
Around us, flowers dotted the trailside, butterflies flitted from bloom to bloom, and a breeze rustled through the trees.
Glacier boulders lay scattered across the ground. I watched her take it all in. Though I knew what came next, for her, it was something new.
To me, Lyell Canyon always feels like a threshold to something bigger. Not just a beginning of a trail, but a place where the landscape dares you to keep walking.
Behind us lay pavement and plans; ahead the quiet and wild waited.
And so, we walked, for a little while, letting the wilderness take us in.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Janet, you have the most beautiful way of expressing the feelings. You capture the quiet and the beauty that is Yosemite. Thank you for publishing it for us. We miss it. Sending hugs, Rae & Eloy
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Rae, thank you so much for the comment. I love Yosemite and hope someday when I’m not able to get there, I can look back at these posts and relive the moments.
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What a delightful, beautiful sharing of this hike. We have never really met, but I consider you a WordPress friend. A wonderful stroll through Nature is a great friend as well.
Yesterday was National Girlfriends Day, so I thought I would try to share this ecard with you as a thanks for your great posts–and letting me tag along.
https://www,jlcards.com/k4J1kq
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How sweet, Patti! I’m sorry the url doesn’t work. I tried twice just in case. But it’s the thought that counts and I’m so pleased you even thought to do that. I, too, consider you a WordPress friend. 🙂
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Well, it looks like the ecard URL does not work here.
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I love the photos and your descriptive words…your alliterations… pavement and plans, quiet and wild waited…
Cari
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Thank you, Cari. I know you love alliteration too. 🙂
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Looks like a peaceful and scenic trail. How nice to share the experience with your sister.
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I let her choose where we went. It was an easier trail being that it’s flat until the end, then it climbs pretty high up and over passes deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Too far for a day hike. 🙂
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It was a lovely hike, thanks for going out that way again. I was pleased to hike an area that I hadn’t been to before. Your words are very poetic.
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Thank you.
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J
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Janet, your words and photos are lovely. It seems that the peace, inspiration, and adventure that the journey had in store for your sister was every bit as rewarding to you as your own. Thanks for sharing. Carol
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Thank you, Carol. It was a peaceful day for both of us.
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Janet. Your words and photos are lovely. Its seems that the peace, inspiration, and adventure that the hike had in store for your sister gave you as much happiness as your own experience.
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A glorious location – from the micro through to the macro! Linda 🙂
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Thank you for reading. 🙂
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Oh! so welcome! xx
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It is so beautiful. Looks like you had a nice day out in family.
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Yes, thank you, Melodie. It was beautiful and peaceful.
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Beautiful pictures! And an 8 mile hike is no joke! 🥾
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Thank you. 🙂
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