Review of Secret Yosemite (2007) by Roxanne R — 06 Mar 2011

ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR FOLKS!! This National Park is home to over 1,500 plant and animal species, Yosemite attracts more than 3 million visitors from around the globe each year. Known for its steep granite cliffs, impressive waterfalls and the world's largest living trees - the Giant Sequoias -.

We follow a professional rock climber in his quest to reach the summit to El Capitan (3,000 foot rock formation). A license is not required to climb this challening rock formation- free to anyone but novices should not do it!! Typically it takes FIT climbers 3-4 days, the protagonist did it in three days with cameras following him.

We also see a team from UC Berkeley studying the Sequoia trees- massive and the tallest trees in the world..! The aerial shots of this magnificent landscape are breathtaking and watching this stunning documentary on a 55 inch HDTV adds to the thrill and joy.

Moreover; stories are shared of hikers that wanted to reach another rock formation back in the mid 80's but thunder and lightning took place ( Peak current intensity is of the order 10 to 100 million volts of electricity; the average about 30,000 amps.

Energy goes into light and heat with temperatures about 54,000 degrees Farenheit, 6X hotter than the sun.) Needless to say the hikers sought refuge around some rocks but two died immediately from the massive electric shock; two others were in critical condition.

The fifth hiker kept moving around so he endured minimal damage. Sometimes Mother Nature can be brutal so its vital to study the weather patterns prior to hiking at Yosemite or spending a few nights. Overall you will be mesmerized by this remarkable documentary on Yosemite National Park- a cinematic triumph and highly recommended!