Elk Grove, California

You hear about it your whole life and you think you are prepared for what you are about to see. Throw all of that out the window because Yosemite is nothing you are prepared for.

It is beyond belief.

El Captain. Half Dome. Bridalveil Fall. Cathedral Spires.

During our journey along the park road we passed by mile after mile of acreage burned during last summer's fires when folks were evacuated and the park was closed. The areas with cut tree stumps are where the firefighters tried to set up fire breaks in an attempt to stop the spread of the fire.

The lodge where we stayed was spared because the maintenance staff stayed behind and watered everything down.

Evidence of the fire is everywhere and the cleanup is still in progress.

Truly a day of astounding beauty and harsh reality.Read more