June 7, 2013 - Rafferty Canyon

Title: June 7, 2013 - Rafferty Canyon

Trail head: Fletcher Lake

Hike Info:

Trail: Rafferty Canyon

Destination:Tuolumne Meadows

Distance: 7.54 miles

Travel Time: 4:21 (1.73  mph)

Moving Time: 3:14 (2.33 mph)

Elevation Rise: 393'

Maximum Elevation: 10,019'

Description:

Sunrise over Evelyn Lake

This morning it was a bit windy. A stake in my poncho tent pulled up and the side started flapping. Of course, the stake not holding may have had something to do with me rolling over on top of it. But on the whole, it was a pleasant night to sleep in. When there was a bit of light on the horizon, I had my quiet time and read some. Then got up before the sun rose and went for a walk. I went eastward up the trail we went down Wednesday. It was glorious to get to the top of the ridge. I felt I was rising up to meet the Son. What a great mornings to end  the trip.

Got back to camp and the ladies just started to rise when I was putting away my stuff. Also got snow for our Capture California  snowman. Not a bad looking critter which the ladies put together. Then we had our oatmeal breakfast while he silently watched us eat. We did offer our new, cold friend something to eat, but he declined.

Tuolumne Pass

Now it is packing up time, and getting read to leave. We will hit the trail around 8:45. We retrace a little bit of our steps back to Vogelsang, and then down the trail to Tuolumne Pass. Then it is new trail for this trip down Rafferty Canyon. It really is not much of a canyon. We follow Rafferty Creek.Once over the pass, more like a gentle low spot, we broaden out into a nice long meadow. Very pleasant walking.

The pleasantness is intertwined with memories of twelve years ago. Then it was raining, and getting colder by the minute. It probably snowed that night. To compound the time, one of my boot's sole had separated and it turned the this trip from a slog to something pretty tiring.

Rafferty Canyon Hikers

But not this time. As the day gets older, the sun starts wearing on us. We feel the heat and the sun, even through our clothes--it turns out the next day would be the hottest day in Yosemite, ever, at least on record. But we are starting to descend and the trees are getting more numerous.  By the time 11 hits, we are ready for our elevenses. At this point we find this nice little place where the water falls over about a 20' rock, forming a pleasant falls. Enjoyable place for lunch and a break. We all are ready for this break.

But then we sling our packs on as the car is not getting any closer. The trail starts a more downward track. We are now concentrating on getting back to the car. We stop briefly at the John Muir Trail and look at the bridge we crossed just three days ago. Now we know it is about a mile more. Mostly flat. But the heat has taken a toll on us. So our pace slows and the trail turns more sandy. I move ahead with the idea of opening the car up to let out some of the heat. But the ladies arrive about three minutes behind me--guess my idea was not too effective.

Lunch at the falls

The car feels good and we are glad to be back. Even warm water tastes good. We head off for our three hour car ride, stopping at Todd's in Oakhurst. Always an enjoyable experience. When we reach Fresno, we say goodbye to our new backpacking buddy, Betty. It was enjoyable having her along. We hope she goes with us again.

Gary walking the line

The Hiker's View