up. up. up. up.
and over Yosemite.
well, there's always our next bike trip to see yosemite. this morning we listened one more time to the park's recording (as to which roads were open). after hearing Tioga was still closed, we headed north on 108 to take Sonora Pass over the Sierra Nevadas instead. it wasn't an easy choice, skipping out on Yosemite, but after two mornings of smoke in the air 'til 2pm and knowing we'd have to backtrack our way out of Yosemite once we reached where the fires had closed the road, we headed for higher ground. within the first four hours north, God provided several clear signs that we'd made the right call.
first, not twenty minutes into the ride, we passed our first bike tourer (Brian) who was coming down from sonora pass (our new route). in his words, "it's clear and beautiful up there, no smoke and pretty cool temperatures."
second, on a provisions stop in sonora we ran into Neil, his wife Amy, and John. Neil and John were pastors on their way out to a conference near Big Oaks, and we were able to pray healing over Mark's hand and for safety throughout the remainder of our journey. was incredible to catch some of the fire they had for the Lord in our brief conversation.
third, round about 4000' up route 108 (the road through sonora pass) we heard it from a chap running an Irish bed & breakfast that the forest fires have now jumped both sides of tioga pass. we knew then there was no way tioga would've been open in time for us, and felt even better about our decision to go north.
finally, God put plenty of beauty outside Yosemite. we climbed to an incredible vista this afternoon, and finished the day with an ice cold (but oh so refreshing) plunge into lake pinecrest, nestled between the soaring mountains and tall pines of the stanislaus national forest.
brian was right. the air has been clean, clear and definitely cooler as the sun has now set. we're psyched for even more climbing tomorrow, and so blessed to have the time and energy and support from all of you to take a trek like this. thank you.
until next time,
may the rains fall softly on your fields,
josh & mark
the lifecycle team
love the pictures, especially loved getting a call today. Glad you are alive and well, and eating well....well at least sometimes. You look very happy and that makes me smile
ReplyDeletewe are! love you too, thank you so much for all your prayers and love and support :)
Deleteps, the porch pictures is where I wrote the post and charged my phone. was a nice evening to hang outside.
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