Today by the Numbers:
Time spent in Yosemite: 4.5 hours (not enough!)
Miles walked: 3.1
Steps for the day: 6,350
Cocktails/mocktails consumed at the Ahwahnee 🍸: 14
Foggy Morning...
Today we woke up to a chilly and foggy morning which necessitated an early morning fire. Teresa’s French bread French toast and bacon helped get the day started. After a slow morning start, some of us headed into the park while others stayed in camp. As we got higher in elevation, the fog got thicker and hid the normally spectacular mountain and valley views from us. A desire to take an annual photo at the Tunnel View vista point was rather disappointing as Yosemite Valley was fully shrouded by the fog.
Dropping into the valley got us below the fog line and the sun managed to peak through occasionally. We decided it was too chilly to do the planned hike up the Mist Trail, so we drove through the valley and stopped occasionally to take in the magical vistas of the clouds draping themselves around the mountains. At times, Yosemite Falls appeared to just pour out of the clouds.
This annual trek to Yosemite inevitably includes a visit to the Ahwahnee Hotel for snacks and drinks. In the Spring, Yosemite Valley is resplendent with the blooming Dogwood trees and many can be found right outside the back door of the Ahwahnee.
After the respite in the Ahwahnee, a short walk to the base of Yosemite Falls was in order to truly soak in the grandeur of the incredible amount of water cascading down the cliff. The early season and the poor weather outlook helped keep crowds at bay and we were able to enjoy the park without dealing with too many people.
Return to camp was just in time for the pot-luck “comfort food” dinner with dozens of dishes prepared by all the participants on this trip.
Tomorrow’s plans are for an off-road adventure in the Jeeps on one of the many dirt roads in the local National Forest lands. Hopefully the weather allows us to enjoy it, although we had fun on one last year when we had sunshine, rain, hail, and snow during the drive!
Great video of the falls! You really get a sense of being there. I always marvel at how much water there is, it just seems impossible!!