My journey, evolving with Yosemite, holds pivotal chapters in my life, a testament to the transformative power of nature. PB, the father of my children, preoperly introduced me to this National Park during our early years of dating. Our story in Yosemite began with our annual trips to Housekeeping near the river from 2009 to 2011, where we immersed ourselves in the beauty of nature. We rode our bikes through the valley, hiked the Mist Trail, savored picnics at Nevada Falls, and ended our days roasting marshmallows after a hearty BBQ - our version of glamping. We also enjoyed a dinner or Sunday brunch on each trip at the Ahwahnee Hotel. In 2012, against the backdrop of the California drought, Mirror Lake turned into a dry meadow, where PB proposed, marking a milestone in our journey together. Returning in 2013 for our babymoon, we swapped the rustic charm of Housekeeping for the comforts of Yosemite Lodge at the base of Yosemite Falls, where we embraced a more relaxed aspect of the valley's majesty. Through these shared experiences, from the flush of new love to the transformational moment of engagement and the anticipatory joy of welcoming new life, Yosemite witnessed the evolution of our relationship.
As the narrative of my life and relationship with PB naturally transitioned into a phase of separation and co-parenting, the enduring allure of Yosemite Valley continued to bring me back. However, the most transformative and memorable return to this sacred space occurred in May 2023, when my best friend SK orchestrated a nature retreat that opened a new chapter of healing and discovery for me. Inviting twelve like-minded individuals, we stayed at a beautiful home in Mariposa. With thoughtful precision, SK curated an experience that nourished body and soul. She stocked our retreat with an abundance of healthy food, orchestrated evening sound baths, and planned days into Yosemite National Park, which remained the centerpiece of our retreat.
The Valley mirrored the internal journeys we were each undertaking to self-discovery and healing. Because of the record-breaking winter snowfall and the warm spring weather, we were generously greeted by a national park filled to the brim and bursting at the seams with water. The park was closed days before our arrival and then again days after our departure. The timing, as if meticulously planned, allowed us to immerse ourselves in nature’s cleansing power. The water echoed the clear, life-changing messages I received. In this valley, I summoned the courage to tell the kids that I had fallen in love with MK and wanted to spend my life with her.
The profound spiritual cleansing was inescapable as we embarked on the 7.7-mile journey up the John Muir Trail and down the Mist Trail. SK brought along twelve rain ponchos, ensuring we remained dry as we ventured beneath a pounding waterfall on the John Muir Trail and navigated the aptly named “mist trail,” which, in truth, was a vast understatement. I could never have anticipated the intensity of the water as I walked underneath the fall. There was no way around it, only through it. To say "it took my breath away" would be an understatement; it felt more like a brush with my final breath. Yet, some found exhilaration in this, darting back and forth to feel the waterfall's mighty force again. As the sun emerged, it greeted us at our picnic spot at the top of Nevada Falls, a place to bask in the sun's warmth and dry off. After lunch, we continued our descent down the mist trail; with its slippery granite stones, we were granted intimate views of Nevada and Vernal Falls in full force—a reminder of the raw power of nature not to be underestimated. Surviving this hike, a truly incredible feat, was a celebration of our physical endurance and resilience. Back in Curry Village, we all reveled in our achievement over slices of pizza, a fitting end to our adventure.
On a more relaxed day in the park, I circled back to Mirror Lake, a place that had held water only on my first visit, now brimming once again, mirroring the cyclical nature of life itself. After 14 years, this return with a group of like-minded souls on a spiritual retreat symbolized my immense growth and transformation. Sitting by the water's edge, the reflection of Half Dome in the serene lake served as a backdrop to our picnic, a moment of peace and reflection on the paths I have traveled, both physically and metaphorically.
Amidst these reflections, the majestic Giant Sequoias of Mariposa Grove stood as guards, reminding us of the enduring strength and resilience inherent in nature and ourselves. Their towering presence, a must-see for any visitor, represents the interconnectedness of all living things and the timeless beauty of Yosemite.
My journey is far from over. The Panorama Trail is on my bucket list, promising to reveal the park's most stunning and diverse views. And the allure of standing on top of Half Dome remains a must-do one day. As I move forward, embracing new love and navigating the path of co-parenting, Yosemite remains a constant. It is a place of beauty and challenge, inviting continual exploration, learning, and growth.
What is on your Yosemite bucket list? Have you had any profound experiences in or around this National Park you would like to share?
All photos by Mehak Khullar
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