Nick and I started with a good breakfast, purchased sandwiches to eat at the top of the falls and started our hike up the mist trail. This trail takes you to the top of Vernal Falls in Yosemite. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out and the temperature was rising which I love. There were not a lot of people on the trail which made it more intimate.   When you come to a certain point the dirt trail turns into granite steps and you learn why it is called the mist trail. The mist coming off the falls feels like you are walking in a dense fog or are experiencing a mild rain depending upon how full the falls are and if the wind is blowing.

On this trip we had worked up a sweat on the hike so the mist was very exhilarating and cooled us off. My heart started to beat faster and harder as I made the climb up the stairs. I had to stop and catch my breath a few times during the climb. You also need to watch your step on the slippery granite stairs!

When we reached the top it was so serene and beautiful. You could walk near the top of the falls and look down. I felt very accomplished! I was quite a ways up. Sitting on the large boulders next to the running river I felt very content. The air was fresh, my body felt grateful for the workout and my mind and heart loved being outdoors. I laid down on the boulder in the sun and closed my eyes. I could feel the warmth of the sun and hear the running water, I was relaxed, calm and grateful to be in this place.

We ate lunch under the shade of a large tree. We had to guard our lunch from the chipmunks and squirrels who were not afraid of people and would come right up to you and the food! After relaxing for a while we headed back down. When we reached the bottom my knees ached and my thighs were throbbing but it was well worth it.

Being in nature rejuvenates me and helps me to get in touch with my body (sometimes it tells me how out of shape I am) and soul. I love Yosemite with all the different waterfalls and meadows to hike. Unfortunately it is too far away to go to on a frequent basis so I go to regional parks when I want to hike. What parks or areas do you enjoy going to relax or rejuvenate?

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Laurie Ratto, RN, Speaker, HTCP, CCA has 30+ years’ experience helping people to heal from physical, mental , and emotional pain. She provides a safe, nurturing space for women to release fears and self-doubt, what spiritually ties us to pain. Laurie Ratto specializes in complementary medicine, as a holistic healer, she keeps her RN certification current because she understands the power of balance as we heal.