Yosemite

Even if it was raining and we were constantly reminded by signs flashing about 100 miles away that the valley was closed, we kept heading east. By the time we arrived at the entrance, the closure was lifted (a rock had fallen and they closed the valley in the morning) and we were able to get in.

My aunt got to take her snow pictures on our way in. Unfortunately, I thought I had a picture of it from my sister, who was the camera person in Yosemite. I only had a few winks of sleep the night before so I was just concentrating on driving that day.

We took the valley tour for two hours and finished the valley before night fell. Early tomorrow morning, we are saying adieu to Yosemite and heading on west to Monterey.

going to the center of it all--Yosemite Valley

the meandering Merced River

Had enough time to hike up to Bridalveil Falls (shortest hike of all falls)

Fall leaves on the grounds of the Ahwanee hotel

Of course a trip is not complete without my tree picture. I think this is a Ponderosa Pine. We didn't have time to drive south to the Mariposa Grove where the giant Sequoia trees were. Yosemite falls in the background.

This is the sight that greeted us on our way out of the park at 7 am the following morning. Three Brothers on the left. They've named all the rock formations. I didn't get a picture of Half dome which is the symbol of Yosemite.

El Capitan (The Chief) on the left is very popular for rock climbers. The weekend before, they've plucked 2 Japanese climbers who froze to death when a blizzard hit the valley. If you have time, you can take your binoculars and watch the number of climbers challenge this vertical rock. It may take days for some to reach the top so you will get to see how they sleep at night. They pitch a tent and sleep hanging (like a cocoon). I don't know how one can sleep soundly in this condition.

Last year, when we went for a visit, the northern part of the park looked like this--

Hiked to Vernal Falls.

Tioga pass on the northern entrance of the park

Mono Lake, outside Yosemite Park (North)

These are called Tufas ("toofahs"). From underground springs, these are limestone formations made from the combination of calcium and carbonate. There are volcanic domes on the lake which are currently inactive at the moment.

Some tufas have jutted out from the lake quite high.

Next time, we'll stay a little longer in Yosemite.

Copyright 2004 Wandertrekker