As you know, I was struggling to find a job, and it was very frustrating to be patient. I was thinking to myself that no one would ever hire me because I had been out of the industry for awhile, and because of my health. Just when I was losing hope, my former biotech company reached out to me. Despite my situation, they were still willing to take a chance on me. I'm officially now a Software Test Engineer. Everyone is so nice, and I'm really enjoying being back at work. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I'll try my best not to disappoint.
Andrew and I recently went to Yosemite National Park for a weekend trip and it was absolutely breathtaking. We stayed in Yosemite Valley at the Camp 4 campground, and at $5/night per person, it was a steal! There was lots to do and see, and for our first time here, I think we did an excellent job exploring most of it. We hiked to Mirror Lake, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Upper Yosemite Fall, and Half Dome. If you find yourself pinched on time, you can drive to Glacier Point, or take the tram tour through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Word of caution. The rivers, waterfalls, and cliffs are beautiful but treacherous. Be extremely safe and follow all hiking and climbing safety. Two people died while we were there.
Word of caution. The rivers, waterfalls, and cliffs are beautiful but treacherous. Be extremely safe and follow all hiking and climbing safety. Two people died while we were there.
Mirror Lake (2 miles)
When filled in winter and spring, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs.
Vernal Fall (2.4 miles; 3 hours; 1000 ft elevation gain)
To reach the top of the 318 ft Vernal Fall, there's a steep granite
stairway of over 600 steps. Totally worth it though!
stairway of over 600 steps. Totally worth it though!
Nevada Fall (5.4 miles; 5-6 hours; 2000 ft elevation gain)
The plume of the plunging 594 ft Nevada Fall led to its naming by Dr. Lafayette
Bunnell, a member of the Mariposa Battalion and a non-indigenous discoverer
of the Yosmite Valley. Nevada is Spanish meaning "snowy."
Upper Yosemite Fall (7.2 miles; 6-8 hours; 2,700 ft elevation gain)
One of Yosemite oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Upper Yosemite Fall
trail leads to the top of North America's tallest waterfall 2,425 feet above the Valley floor.
Half Dome (14 miles; 10-12 hours; 4,800 ft elevation gain)
Ready for the challenge.
Permits to hike Half Dome are required in order to protect wilderness character, reduce
crowding, protect natural and cultural resources, and improve safety. A maximum of
300 hikers are allowed daily, and permits are distributed via lottery. We got lucky!
The last 400 vertical ft up the eastern slope is so sheer that two steel cables suspended
from pipes set in the rocks have been installed to assist hikers. If you slip while
climbing and slide outside the cables, you're likely to fall to your death.
from pipes set in the rocks have been installed to assist hikers. If you slip while
climbing and slide outside the cables, you're likely to fall to your death.
The gloves help grip and keep your hands from getting blistered by the
cables. If you didn't bring a pair of your own, at the bottom of the cables,
there was a pile of gloves discarded by previous hikers.
Almost there. Only a few more feet to go!
We celebrated by having a PB&J party!
The secret to a delicious PB&J is lots of it.
The top is fairly large and level open surface. Can you find me?
The "Diving Board" is where Ansel Adams took his photograph,
"Monolith, The Face of Half Dome" on April 10, 1927.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point has spectacular views. The two waterfalls to the right
side of Half Dome are Nevada Fall (top), and Vernal Fall (bottom).
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
In total volume the giant sequoias are the largest living things known to humans.
They can live for over 2,000 years, and their trunks can reach over 25 ft thick.
Biologists suspect the Fall Monarch tree has been down for centuries.
Tannic acid in the wood suppresses the initial growth of fungi
and bacteria, essentially arresting decay of a fallen sequoia.
and bacteria, essentially arresting decay of a fallen sequoia.
Overall, I had such an amazing time at Yosemite National Park, and it was an experience that I'll never forget. I was able to conquer Half Dome nine months after finishing chemo with 75% of my left hamstring muscle gone. I hope that my doctors are proud, and happy to hear that because of them, I'm able to live my life to the fullest. It just goes to show you how strong the human spirit is.
Courtesy of Aarti Sequeira
Ingredients (serves 4)
1 bunch kale, stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons honey
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup roasted edamame
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Directions
- In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt.
- Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside while making the dressing.
- In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms.
- Add the bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, almonds, edamame, and dried cranberries.
- Pour the dressing over the kale. Toss and serve.
I love big bowls of salad!
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