Yosemite in Autumn

I don't think I'll ever get enough of Yosemite. This weekend's trip was the fourth of the year. Considering how I missed out on this magical place for most of my life, I view this recent cluster of visits (four in five months) as making up for lost time. Every visit offers something new. This most recent one offered the beginning of fall colors, colder weather and snow.

Instead of lengthy hikes to higher elevations, we pottered around the valley floor and took in the glory of El Capitan, Half Dome and other snowcapped peaks from below. Due to recent snow and rain, waterfalls like Bridalveil and Upper Yosemite, dry only a month ago, were alive again.

One of my favorite places to grab breakfast in Yosemite is at Degnan's Deli. For $1.95, one can eat a Deg Muffin. It's a heated muffin sandwich with egg, melted cheese and a choice of turkey, ham, sausage, bacon or soy patty. It's delicious and a great way to start the morning.

On Saturday, we climbed the steps of the Yosemite Chapel. The glass-paned doors were closed, but we could see a wedding ceremony going on inside. As we peeked in, there was a man next to us, likely part of the wedding party, also watching the proceedings and gently bouncing a baby. "They're renewing their vows after fifty years of marriage," he volunteered. All I could utter was an unremarkable, "Wow!"

What would it be like to love and be with one person for that many years? What physical and mental condition would either of us be in after fifty autumns? Why did this couple choose Yosemite of all places to renew their vows? Was it where they first met? Were they married here fifty years ago? Or was it simply somewhere "nice" to celebrate their marriage?

We had barely retreated down the steps when the doors opened and the couple, vows renewed, stepped out of the church, led by the professional photographer. They were so happy. In that moment, questions faded and I looked upon them like I would Half Dome - in awe. For here was a love that had endured many seasons, sunny and stormy, like the granite mountain. Seeing them stirred something in me and made me smile.