Last month on a whim, my husband made plans for us to spend Valentine’s Day and the day following in Yosemite. California was being deluged by an atmospheric river as we headed up to the park, and we weren’t at all sure we would make it to our destination. Friends thought we were foolish to try. Water was gushing everywhere en route along Highway 140, the only road into the park open that day, and it was still raining with a very low ceiling when we got to Yosemite Valley. But we did get there, safely.

There was snow on the ground and a forecast for more to fall over the next several days. During the time we were there, it was our amazing pleasure to experience along with a very few other lucky visitors, the transformation of the valley. It was truly a wonderland of snow and silent beauty, and I spent as much time outside, in it, as I possibly could.