Yosemite, 28 June 2011

This morning we left Jamestown a bit earlier, and without having breakfast. Our goal was breakfast at The Ahwahnee. Since we can't afford to stay there, a meal will have to do. It was all very good.

Mt Watkins at Mirror Lake

Next on the itinerary was Mirror Lake. Last time we were there there was no lake left, only a filling-in meadow. With the high water this year, the lake is back, but flowing, so the reflections are not smooth. But they were very interesting.

Running Bear

A bear showed up near Mirror Lake. We watched it till it ran away. In the area were also many lupine, beautifully in bloom

Relaxing on the porch

At the old entrance for old times' sake

From Mirror Lake we headed to the base of Yosemite Falls by way of Camp Curry (now Curry Village). It was time for a Midday glass of wine with spectacular views. 

Yosemite Falls

We had never seen so much water in Yosemite Falls. In the Upper Fall the iconic bounce near the top was missing for all the water coming over the cliff. Walking up to the base of the lower falls got us very wet.

Bridal Veil Fall

Bridal Viel Fall was the next stop. Here, too, there was so much water one got very wet getting near the base. This time the wind did provide some of the iconic spray.

Ribbon Fall

Across the valley, Ribbon Fall was now in sun. It was a real treat to see this waterfall in full water, a rare occurrence.

Hetch Hetchy with Mt Gibson

We now said farewell to Yosemite Valley and headed to a much less populated part of the park, Hetch Hetchy. It is a second, though smaller, Yosemite Valley which was dammed and flooded for a reservoir for the city of San Francisco. It still provides some spectacular scenery.

Wapama Falls

Tueeulala Falls

We hiked across the dam and up the valley a ways. Dick went further than Karen, and for longer than she expected. But it was hard not to keep going for the spectacular views up the valley. He went as far as the trail junction into the high country and down the valley, but not as far as the two big waterfalls on the north side of the valley.

Dinner at Evergreen Resort

Since it was now toward evening, we very reluctantly said Goodbye to Yosemite, and headed out back toward Jamestown. We stopped at Evergreen Resort just outside the Park for dinner. It would be an interesting place to stay some time. Of course, that made it late enough we drove back to Jamestown in the dark. But it was a wonderful finish to a glorious visit to one of our favorite places.