Hey Victoria,

I haven't gone on an REI trip, but did a section hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile this past September. It was some of the most stunning scenery I've ever seen, the alpenglow and stars at night were breathtaking, and I met plenty of really great people on the trail including:

• 15 backpackers from Yokohama ranging in age from 30's to 70's
• A woman who was a former triathlete who had overcome some incredible physical challenges to be on trail (hiked together for a day)
• A man who had suffered a stroke and had limited use of half his body, but was out there with support from his family and friends and not letting his handicap define what he could do
• Hikers from Canada, Netherlands, Middle East, Austria
• People hiking with Llamas
• Pack trains
• A guy whose fly fishing rig had been destroyed on his flight, but he didn't realize it until on trail. A shuttle driver picked up a replacement for him and delivered it to him en-route

All I can say is that Yosemite, the Sierra Nevadas, are something everyone needs to see.

Sign up and go with REI, or find a friend, get prepared, and go. Have a great time!

-Sheryl