Postcards from Summer: Yosemite Valley, California

A quick drive due east of the Bay Area lands you in the magical park that is Yosemite.  There's been such rainfall/snowfall this year that some of the high roads are still operating under winter conditions and the waterfalls and rivers in the valley are still thundering at dangerous speeds.  But, it's always beautiful to pop in for a quick retreat... sunburst over the Half Dome at dawn, rocky trails climbing up and up from the valley floor, nostalgic visits to the same ice cream parlor you went to as a kid, wildlife coming within an inch or two of you (though maybe it's not so fun when said 'wildlife' includes the biggest ants I've ever seen in my life--bigger than most spiders), chill moments by the water or in camp at dusk, biking all around the meadows, driving the winding, hair-pinned roads, getting drenched in the hot sun by waterfall mist, treating yourself to a fancy lunch with wonderful friends at a beautiful historic lodge (in your ripped shorts, t-shirt, and hiking shoes), followed by a nap on a shaded creek-side bench.  Ah... summer.

Where do you go for your quick summer escapes?

P.S.  Don't forget to enter the Rosanna, Inc. cakestand giveaway--there are only a few short days left!