El Portal (where we live) is a small community located just west of one of the most popular entrances to Yosemite. It was founded by a railroad company that built a line to Yosemite from Merced. The rail ended in El Portal and tourists were transported the rest of the way to the valley by coach.
El Portal is in a beautiful area right along the Merced River canyon. The are no restaurants or bars, but there is a library, a pool, tennis courts, and lots of fun people. And, of course, having Yosemite as a neighbor is pretty great.
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| At the top of Smith Peak, overlooking Hetch Hetchy. Molly, my former roommate and a fellow Midwesterner joined us for the hike. |
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| The view from Smith Peak |
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| David has been working a lot in a place called Poopenaut Valley. I joined him for a couple days last week. |
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| Morning view into Yosemite Valley from the west. |
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| A baby California newt. |
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| Wildflowers in El Portal. |
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| On the top of El Cap, looking at Half Dome. |
