Act I

It's been a little over a week since leaving Utah, and we've at last arrived at Yosemite Valley. We've had two major stops prior to this, with an awful lot of traveling in between. We have yet to go over 55 mph, so each mile marker has come at a leisurely pace. Miss Ashley was in tow for the first week, which proved to be an all-around treat.

Late into the night of our first day we sauntered into the Hidden Valley campground in Joshua Tree NP, and made a hasty camp among the boulders and the arthritic trees. Each day following, we split our time between afternoon naps, climbing, reading, scrounging for water, and singing what songs could be accompanied by Matt on his guitar. The latter activity drew the attention of our neighbors, and before long we were having a philosophical conversation with a gentleman who'd been free of possessions for three years and on the road for just as long. One thing led to another, and by the time we left the park Friday night we had yet another passenger joining us for the coast.
Above: The road from campsite to crags.
Above: Matt holds his two bouquets in preparation for Heart of Darkness.
Above: Matt and Ash on the first route of the trip.
Above: Sunset near Conrad Rock.
Above: Matt on Heart of Darkness.
Above: Paxton throws a dyno near Old Woman Rock.
Above: Ashley belays Matt through a chimney on the Blob.
Above: Paxton jams through a Little Cottonwood Canyon-style sandbag on Old Woman Rock.
Above: The cleanest line.
Above: New-found friend and fellow traveler Matt.