I have many blessings in my life to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. In keeping with the spirit of the blog, I give thanks for my Dad.

Without his help I would not be able to experience the greatness of Yosemite National Park.  Although he lives several hours away, he plays an important role in my hiking excursions. He is my contact person: the one who knows which trail I’m on, even if it’s only a two-mile hike. He knows where the trailhead is located and how to get there; whether I’m hiking alone or with a friend; what time I’m leaving home and an approximate time I will return. When I get home, he expects to hear from me. If I don’t check in within a two-hour time frame, he’ll begin making phone calls. He knows my exact plan and is my safety net allowing me to feel protected while in the back country of one of our nation’s most majestic parks. Thank you, Dad.