What a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in the USA - a hike in Yosemite National Park, one of 59 National Parks.  The solitude and incredible vistas of the eastern side where hiking is everything, to the western side where the sheer size and beauty of the landmarks of the park make you wonder how they came to be.  Half Dome, El Capitan & the towering waterfalls - what magnificent features the park has to make any visit unforgettable.  But my memory will be a bit different. I wont forget the beautiful vistas of our hike, the sore thighs and beat up feeling of hiking 36 miles in altitude & sleeping on an army cot - it was amazing.