Other than the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I have not actually had much chance to visit any new places this time around. Last last week(end) I went to Yosemite. Visiting Yosemite in the summer is very different compared to when I last visited around autumn. According to wikipedia, the park covers an area of 761,266 acres or 1,189 square miles (3,081 km²) and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain. Designated a World Heritage Site, Yosemite is recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, bla bla bla.

I agree that the streams are clear. Its so clear I can see right through it, down to the river bed. Its so clear I feel like I'm the Malboro cowboy. Its so clear I feel like taking my cowboy boots off and wade in with my horse.

"So clear I spotted fishes swimming in the streams and wild ducks darting about."

"Stream nestled in by granite cliffs on three sides"

As it is so hot during summer, you see some people floating about blissfully in rubber tubes too.

Yosemite is also famous for its meadows. A meadow is a habitat of rolling or flat terrain where grasses predominate. Typically, what is called a meadow has more biodiversity than a grassland as the former contains not only grasses but a significant variety of annual, biennial and perennial plants. Again, that was according to wikipedia. By the way, in England, meadows are known as pastures.

"Smack in the middle of a meadow when this picture was taken. Turning left, right or back - I'm greeted only by silence and vast expanses of wildflowers bobbing in the wind."

Luckily I didn't get bitten by any snakes. Anyway, Yosemite is most well known for half dome peak. You probably see half dome peak in every Yosemite tourist photo you come across.

"Half dome from a distance"

"Half dome from an elevated vista point"

The best view of half dome is from another peak called Glacier Peak. It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7,214 ft (2,199 m) or 3,200 ft (975 m). There, you get magnificent downsweeping views of everything.

"Alpines"

"Many people have functions like weddings in this tiny coliseum-like structure here at Glacier Point. Being at an elevated altitude above the clouds make stargazing a very popular activity here too"

"Downsweeping view of Yosemite Valley"