WildLink August 2025: Fresno Building Healthy Communities First Trip

The group met early on a warm August morning in Fresno, the forecast called for a high above one hundred degrees that day so the group was happy to be escaping the heat and going up to Yosemite. They made their way up the foothills to NatureBridge’s National Environmental Science Center sitting nicely at 6,000 feet. As the group arrived one of their first remarks was how much cooler it was and how excited they were that they were escaping the heat of the central valley. After meeting their NatureBridge educators and settling in the group came together for their first dinner. The group was quiet and reserved, tired from the long winding drive up. After dinner they all went on a short walk and played a game to begin warming up to the new experience. The first day ended quickly and students went to bed expecting a week full of new experiences. 
 

When they woke the next morning, it was another sunny day, yet a brisk breeze rolled over Hennes Ridge where the NESC sits. The team made their way to Yosemite Valley, taking a quick stop to take in the view at tunnel view. Once in the valley they prepared themselves for the rest of the week. Once everyone had all the footwear, layers, sleeping equipment, shelter, cooking equipment, and food that they were going to need for the next four days in the wilderness they went on to explore more of the valley floor. Making their way back up to the NESC for dinner and another evening with one of their educators, this time lighting a fire and sharing hopes and fears about the week to come. 
 

The weather held and Tuesday was another warm sunny day. After arriving at the McGurk Meadow trail head, everyone dawned their very full backpacks and began making their way to where they would camp for the next three nights. Once at camp, lunch and a brief break were taken before getting on with setting up camp. The group was taught how to set up their tents and where everything would be set. Bear cans, water filters, and kitchen equipment were set up. That afternoon the group relaxed in camp, took a dip in the nearby Bridalveil creek, talked and journaled. As time for dinner approached the group was joined by a wilderness ranger who spoke with the group about their role in the park and the journey that led them to their job. After everyone shared a meal, the wilderness ranger said goodbye to the group as everyone began to get ready for bed. 
 

Wednesday morning came, sunny and warm like the one before it. Except this time the group was waking up out in the wilderness. As everyone had breakfast and exchanged bits of how they had spent the night, some slept very well, others barely anything. Morning turned to afternoon and the group decided to have an early dinner and go for a walk to catch the sunset from Dewey Point. After dinner, prepared with extra layers, a headlight, and a map, the group set out to find Dewey Point, and the last fading light of a sun going down behind the horizon. 

The trail was long and steep in sections, some members had a tough time getting to the edge of the southern rim of Yosemite valley. Along the way a special sighting of a momma bear and her cubs in the distance brought the group back to good spirits by making them realize what a special place this was. When they got to Dewey Point it was all worth it. An orange and pink blanket of light draped over the sierras becoming darker and richer as the sun faded away. Laughs and tears were had, and journals were written in all while taking in the beautiful scenery. The group stayed out until the sun was completely gone, the sky was dark and the stars and moon were bright above. Headlights were turned on and the journey back began. The trail was completely different now that darkness enveloped the group, they stayed close together exchanging stories as they walked. To some a short while after to other quite a bit of time and the group got back to camp. Everyone fell into their bedtime routine, brushing their teeth and filling up water bottles before heading to bed. 

Thursday came and the group already knew that a big day of hiking was ahead. After breakfast everyone prepared for the day ahead, filling water bottles, finding the sun screen and sun hats. The way to Taft point was longer and steeper than the trail to Dewey point the previous day and it proved to be harder as well. Getting to Taft point was welcomed with lunch to accompany the great views. Lots of pictures were taken, and smiles were had before making their way back to camp. There were no bear sightings on the way up to Taft point, but on the way back another bear came across their path. Keeping a safe distance the group took in the sight before continuing on towards camp. 

A fire brought the last night to a close, everyone surrounding the fire where quesadillas were made, sharing stories and thoughts. Finally the last day had arrived, and packing up camp was bittersweet to some. Motivated by the comforts of home, craving loved ones and showers, the team made quick work of the hike out. Once they were back at the trail head a well earned round of high-fives was shared amongst the group before loading up into vehicles and heading back home after an adventurous and growth-filled week.