Sleeping Beauty and Time

Stephy*Vision

Time does not wait for anyone, but you always have to wait for time.

• The natural fireball is one of Yosemite National Park's most amazing spectacle, it occurs in mid-late Feb annually, if the conditions (sufficient snowpack, warm temperatures and a clear sky at sunset) are right, the fireball will light up but only last ten minutes. I sensed this could be an adventure, and took a chance to have a special adventure, only 48 hours, traveled there and back, enjoying to fullest this place in this brief time.
• In the early morning of 24 hours, I traveled to the Tunnel View, driving through the Wawona Tunnel is an enjoyable experience. I was greeted by the Tunnel View and enjoyed the scene a while, but the most interesting thing was the present of so many photographers there to capture every moment and angles of the scene together, like a gathering of souls.
• I walked on the heavy snow, using my hands to claw the branches, saw a new picturesque scene: the reflection of El Capitan and bare trees, the sound of the river flowing attracted me deeply. I got closer to the river, looked at the surroundings, a whole white color played on the deep snow. It is another beautiful and special place for Yosemite, like a Sleeping Beauty: she is waiting something to happen quietly, maybe the right time to awaken.
• I chased the waterfall endless there. My spirit left the cage of my body and soared high, much higher than any waterfall in the world, making circles in the sky. Maybe this is one reason why I always chase waterfalls. Sleeping Beauty's world and my worlds were not very different at that moment.
• I found the Fireball finally, my mission completed ! But the most inspiring part of the experience, beyond the Firefall itself, was waiting for the right time and conditions to witness it.
• Over the following 24 hours, I traveled to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. I was very tiny standing next to these gentle giants. I looked up at the blue sky and bare trees, rays of sunshine reflecting off the ice entering my eyes, the winter air and scene glowing. It is silent but full of mysterious power — time.
• The sound of a rippling stream echoed around me, and wondering where it came, I followed the sound, walking far from the original trailhead, and came to the river covered in white snow. I felt life running through my veins, I seemed to see Sleeping Beauty awaken, welcomed the new day, the snowing melting into the water then flowing far away, creating a new chapter in her life.
• I found new wisdom through you—Sleeping Beauty. Your power and beauty unfolds slowly, your time will come, the snow will give way, bare and dead trees will be lush and the rivers and falls will be filled with movement and life. They would be in the right time. You and I learn to wait for the time, witness and understand the power of time, meet love, happiness and wisdom. “Slow down, wait for the right time” is the best lesson I learned and can pass onto others from this special adventure.