Tag United States

Yosemite Magic

@carriehanrahanphotography 5 Comments

So Easy to Fall in Love With!

If you don’t already have a love affair with the outdoors, Yosemite will be the place to start one.  You can feel the magic of Yosemite all around when you enter the park.  From the grandeur of the mountains to the pounding of the waterfalls to the peace in the meadows, you can feel the history and wilderness calling your name.  It doesn’t matter the season because they are all beautiful, though I do recommend spring or winter for fewer crowds.

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There are many names associated with Yosemite National Park, but two come to mind most frequently.  First, John Muir, who lobbied for the creation of Yosemite.  He inspired others to protect natural areas for the beauty and ecological importance of an area.  With his help and persuasion, Yosemite became a National Park in 1890. As president of the Sierra Club, his travel and writing was a huge influence in the wilderness community.  Second, Ansel Adams whose stunning photographic work within the park is known worldwide.  He saw Yosemite as art and not just nature and was able to capture these images with an uncanny ability.

Let us start your love affair!!

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The iconic Half Dome is a recognized rock formation that many take on the challenge to climb.

 

 

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Yosemite Chapel is the oldest structure in the Yosemite Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Mist Trail Hike to Vernal Falls

A strenuous, but beautiful 2.4 mile hike.  Getting to the top is so worth it!

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The over 600 stairs on the steep granite stairway!

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Vernal Falls rainbow

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Looking down over the 317 foot tall waterfall.

 

Mirror Lake Loop trail is a moderate 2 mile hike in the Yosemite Valley

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul    -John Muir

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The beautiful Sierra Nevada Red Fox

Yosemite Valley trails amazing pines.

In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration. -Ansel Adams

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Amazing explorations with my son and travel buddy!

To start your exploration of Yosemite, go to http://www.nps/gov/yose

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of my blog. Thanks!

Quantum Leap Winery, Orlando, Florida

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From Mickey Mouse to an Urban Winery

 

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Their industrial location in the Mills 50 district

 

When you need a grown-up break from the world of Disney, where should you go?  How about a Florida winery!

DSC04231Quantum Leap Winery is a unique destination in Florida.  They do not make wines from the Florida native grape, Muscadine, but focus on creating great tasting wines from around the world.  They do this by purchasing wine juice from small wineries in premier growing regions and then age, finish, blend, and package the wine in their facility.  Their focus is on being environmentally friendly and reducing their carbon footprint in the process.

The winery is owned by Jill Ramsier and David Forrester.  The friends have a passion for wine and decided to take the leap and open a winery of their own.  Norman Saley, the winemaker, joined them in 2014 bringing his California winemaking experience with him.

 

 

DSC04246Upon arrival to this urban winery, you will notice the eclectic, artsy, vibrant neighborhood.  Quantum Leap’s home is a former warehouse building and retains many of its industrial attributes.  The interior is very open and inviting.  There is a large central bar for tastings and an open area with ample tables, chairs, and couches.  The exposed ductwork is visible against the high ceilings with plenty of lighting.  Bright artwork adorns the walls, which you can purchase and there is an area in the corner for musical artists to perform. Outdoors, the prior loading dock serves as a covered porch area to sit a spell and enjoy great wine.

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Stepping inside, we were greeted warmly and offered one of two tastings.  We choose to do both, Lucy’s Whites and Buster’s Big Reds.  A variety of wine regions were represented from Washington to California and Veneto, Italy.

 

Our tastings included:

Whites

  • Grape Pedaler White Blend, Columbia Valley, WA 2014  -Viognier, Gewurztraminer, and dry Riesling.
  • Pinot Grigio, Veneto, IT 2016
  • Garda White Blend, Veneto, IT 2014 -Traditional Northern Italian blend
  • Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Russian River Valley, CA 2014

Reds

  • Tempranillo, Ancient Lakes AVA< WA 2013
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA 2014
  • Merlot, Napa Valley, CA 2013
  • Sangiovese, Paso Robles, CA 2014

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They have a large selection of amazing wines for purchase and I’m sure you will find a few that you want before heading back to Disney!

Grape Pedaler Blend!

To learn more about them head to their website: http://www.quantumleapwinery.com

 

How my Wine Adventures Began

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Let me preface this blog by saying that I am a girl from Wisconsin that grew up with beer, brats, and cheese.

I believed that wine came in three types: Red, White, and Pink, with Pink being the wine of choice. I also did not drink much and was usually the designated driver.

Fast forward a lot of years, a lot of moves, and a lot of changes.  I had two wonderful children, moved with my husband from Wisconsin to Missouri, to Texas, then California, and now South Carolina.  Let me back up a bit to, Ahhhhh, California.  My first taste of real wine, in my mind at least.  No, we did not live in Napa, but between two wonderful wine valleys.  This was my first real taste and a learning experience of what wine could be.  First, however, I had to learn how to taste wine, not just drink it.  Am I a pro yet? Not even close.  This new experience of having hundreds of wineries so close gave us great ways to spend our weekends and learn something new.  California began my love affair with wine, but also taught me to look beyond Napa.  Nothing against Napa, they have some of the best wines in the world, but when you realize that there are other places in the United States that have great wines, the adventure has only just begun.

After California, we moved to South Carolina and I thought the wine adventures were done.  I was soooo wrong; thank goodness.  This move helped me to discover great wine regions exist in all areas of the United States, from South Carolina to North Carolina, Tennessee to Texas, and Missouri to Oregon. I am not a wine critic, but will share my opinions of different wines and what makes wineries and vineyards great places to visit.  I am as much about the atmosphere and location as I am about the wines themselves.  I hope to take you on this adventure with me and to experience areas beyond Napa that produce great wines and provide great adventures for those willing to take the leap.