MOONBOW

So despite having had to work all week with little hiking, I had the most fun I've had ever photographing I think. There's this thing called a moonbow which is basically a rainbow at night during a full moon. The light from the full moon hits the mist from the waterfalls and creates a rainbow right in the middle of the night. It doesn't happen in too many places around the world and Yosemite is one of them. It only happens during three time periods of the year which is during the full moon of April, May, and June and depending on which day surrounding the full moon, the bow happens between 11 pm and 2 am. It was incredible. So while the full moon was out I was out and had a blast taking night photos with long exposures. So that was my Friday and Saturday nights.

Sunday went over very well. We had the most people at our service this Sunday since we started up, about 30 people. I spoke once again, this time I used a little bit of apologetics, talking about the historical evidence for Jesus and the reliability of the New Testament then about the truths of the gospel. Not too sure if the people enjoyed it, but I find it very interesting but I can see how it can be a bit boring for some. After the service, we went hiking to a waterfall whose name and location must remain hidden because it's a secret of the workers in Yosemite, but it was pretty sweet. Afterwards we went to a barbeque at the Pastor's house and hung out with him and his family and neighbors and other people and it was really fun and a nice change from eating Mexican, pizza, and buffet food everyday.

Another 6 day work week this week, so we'll see if I get to do any hiking/photographing, but it seems that I always find a way.

Picture time.


Moonbow at Lower Yosemite Falls taken at about 12 am





Upper Yosemite Falls taken at about 1 am



North Dome and Half Dome taken at about 2 am

El Capitan

So, not too much happened this past week except more hiking. On Saturday I did my longest hike yet to the top of El Capitan which consisted of a round trip of 16 miles and an elevation gain of 35oo feet. It was really good, great views and everything. We even took a nap on top for about an hour which was very refreshing. However the wind on top was very chilly.

On Sunday, we had our third service. Our crowd shrunk a little bit, but all is still good. The ministry on Sunday mornings is good and all, but I enjoy the personal conversations much more than the actual "preaching." I've had some interesting conversations with some people. I've never been in an environment where people are so non-religious. However, most are willing to hear about my beliefs and talk about theirs and some seem interested, others not so much. It's also interesting to be asked what religion I am when I mention that I'm here doing ministry. Next Sunday is my turn again and I'm not sure what the topic or anything will be yet. I probably should work on that sometime soon.

I'm working six days this week so most likely I won't get much hiking done. But I believe a trip to Glacier Point by car is in the works to see the full moon over the valley. So atleast I have that to look forward to.

One month down. Two to go. It's going by pretty fast. Before I know it, I'll be home again for a short while, then back to school. I'm actually looking forward to both but I'll take it when the time comes.

Next big hike will hopefully be to Half Dome, the pinnacle hike of Yosemite.

View of El Capitan

View from El Capitan



Weird tree on El Capitan

Special Edition

So this past weekend I did way too much hiking for only three pictures, so you get seven instead.

On Saturday, I hiked up to Glacier Point by the Four Mile Trail, a 4.7 mile trip with a 3200 ft elevation gain, hard but extremely well worth it. After spending some time at Glacier Point, we hiked down the Panorama Trail which is 8.5 miles back to the valley. So including the travel to and from the trailheads, it was about a 15 mile day. This has officially become my favorite hike so far, that is until I do Half Dome. For anyone visiting I would highly recommend this hike. If you don't want to do the complete 15, I would say to hike up the Mist Trail, hit the Panorama and make it up to Glacier Point and take the shuttle down. However, it can get a little crowded and touristy at Glacier Point since you are able to take the shuttle up and down but the views are so well worth it. Best views I've seen in my entire life.

On Sunday we had our second service which went very well again. The number of people seem to be growing, maybe not quickly, but growing nonetheless. Afterwards, I walked the Valley Loop, or atleast attempted to. Apparently I zigged when I should have zagged and ended up completely losing the trail. However, although I lost the trail, I pretty much knew where I was since I was between the river and the road, so I just trudged through the forest, wading through streams and such, until I reached the road which I just hugged kind of looking like a hitchhiker. But I eventually found the real path after crossing the nearest bridge and made my way past El Capitan and to Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil was really neat because it was extremely misty and when you get close enough to a rainbow it becomes a raincircle. So this trail was 12 miles with an elevation gain of maybe 200 ft and I think I did the equivalent of the trail despite losing it. And that brings the weekend tally to 27 miles. It was a good weekend but my feet are not happy with me at all. If all goes as planned next weekend I'll be on top of El Capitan.

The Valley from Glacier Point



Half Dome



Half Dome with Vernal and Nevada Falls



Yosemite Falls and the Valley



Hope you're not getting tired of Yosemite Falls



The High Sierras from a distance



Bridal Veil Falls

And I'm Back

Sorry for the delay. Between working 6 days a week and a shoddy internet connection, I haven't been able to do a decent blog. But fear not, here it is.

So since I've been working so much, I really haven't had much time to do major hikes like before, so instead I just strolled around the valley a little bit. So the pictures are mainly from a short walk. I did get to do a decent hike Sunday which was up to Chilnualna Falls. I think it was about 8 miles round trip with a 24oo elevation gain, but we didn't do the entire trail due to time restraints, and also the falls hugged the cliff to tightly and I couldn't see much of it for the trees in the way, so no photos of that one.

This past Sunday marked our first ACMNP (A Christian Ministry in the National Parks) service. It takes place in a campground ampitheatre. It seemed to go pretty well. In the message, I went through a quick history of the kings of United Israel and of Judah until I reached King Josiah and I dwelt on him for a bit talking about how the law was found in his reign after having been lost. And when he heard this law, his life was changed immediately which led him to do an immediate complete reformation of worship in Judah. I then related this to us and the gospel and challenged the listeners to "refind" the gospel and read one. I think it went over pretty well. And if you're interested in Josiah, 2 Kings 22-23. I think he's often overlooked.

After the service, the ACMNP crew met up with a guy who'll be helping out with ACMNP in Glacier NP but for the moment he's traveling through several national parks working on another ministry. For more information about that you can check out sacredparks.org. Anyway, we joined him in a hike to Chilnualna Falls and spent the rest of the day with him. Pretty interesting.

And for all the southerners out there, you'd be glad to know that I have introduced some fine southern culture here in Yosemite. I made some sweet tea and the Californians love it, as well as some Michiganians and New Yorkers. However, there were many comparisons of the tea to syrup, and even some talk about putting it on pancakes.

Although this may sound like code to some, I attempted to have C & C but it's just not the same without ole Jay Fincher. As soon as we get back, let's do it.

I saw my first Yosemite bear last night. It was actually in our tent cabin neighborhood last night about 12:30. We heard a high pitched scream of "Get out of here bear" so naturally we chased it. But calm down mom, it's what we're supposed to do. And the brown guy just trotted off.

For the record, don't come to Yosemite on Memorial Day weekend if you have the option. It gets pretty crazy.

Pictures. Check it.

Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls

The top of Upper Yosemite Falls

Another blog should be coming up after the weekend since I get this weekend off and will do some more hiking/picture taking.