One of my favorite things to do in life, is rafting the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. It is such a tranquil float down the river with spectacular views of the entire valley including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Points, and Fantastic Meadows and clear water.

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Stoneman Bridge

One of the best starting points is Stoneman Bridge, where you can easily drop off your tube and enter the calm, clear water. From here, you'll float downstream, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Yosemite Valley, including views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan. The gentle current makes for a leisurely trip, perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in the breathtaking surroundings.

First View is Spectacular of Half Dome

Soon after entering the water you will float under Stoneman Bridge and look back at the majestic Half Dome up the river above the bridge. Continuing downstream, the serene flow of the river carries you through lush meadows and past towering pine trees. The sounds of nature surround you, with birds singing and the gentle rush of water providing a calming soundtrack. As you float, you'll pass by sandy beaches perfect for a quick stop and a refreshing swim. The leisurely journey offers plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, from deer grazing by the riverbank to fish darting below the surface.

Plenty of People Lounge on the Sandy Beaches

Matt and Anna are enjoying a nice cold drink while floating down the river. The popular game this trip was Beer Die, something this old man hasn't seen much of. Here is some info about it: Beer die, also known as snappa, is a fun drinking game that involves bouncing dice off a table and trying to catch them. Picture beer pong, but with more nuance and hand-eye coordination. To set the game up, all you need is a table, some dice, four cups, and three friends to play.

Our Painting Spot

We have a painting above our fireplace by Mrs Burr that was painted from a bridge. This is the image of what Mrs Burr was looking for but from the river view just below the bridge.

Cloudy Scenery

There were a few clouds in the sky. This one went in front of the sun and offered an interesting view.

Last View of Half Dome

As the river winds around the valley, here is the final full-view of Half Dome.

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

The water levels were coming down, but there was a moderate amount of flow coming from the falls.

Sentinel Beach - Time to Come Out of the Water

Floating is not allowed past Sentinel Beach, so here is where we got out and the first day where Carol was waiting for us.