Saturday, April 30, 2016

April 30, 2016 - Yosemite Valley Loop-West Section


Title: April 30, 2016 - Yosemite Valley Loop-West Section
Hike Info : DescriptionExtra Photo's : Background
Trail head: Bridalveil Falls Parking Lot
Hike Info:
Type:  Hiking
Trail: Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
Destination:Loop
Distance: 11.95 miles
Start Time: 9:19
End Time:   3:16
Travel Time: 5:57 (2.01 mph)
Moving Time: 4:44 (2.53 mph)
Elevation Rise: 962'
Maximum Elevation: 4,132'


Description:
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
                                  Psalm 42: 7
When we were around Yosemite Falls, the thundering of the water falling onto the rocks has this psalm making sense. But I think I am getting ahead of myself here.

It is the second meetup hike which we have organized in the past two Saturdays. Having not done too many hikes in the last six months and not been the organizer for too many of them either, this is amazing. We met all 18 of our fellow hikers-making 20 total-at Eddie's Bakery in Fresno and then left for Oakhurst right at 6:40. When we got to Oakhurst's Starbucks, the other meetup group was just leaving. They are going up to the base of Ribbon Falls and then to a place called Hidden Falls-I will need to figure out where that is. But for now, it is on to Bridalveil Falls parking area. 

Happy Hikers
We arrive at the parking area a little after 9am, having waited in line at the park's southern entrance. We get ourselves together and take off. I would normally go to the east first, and then cross Bridalveil Creek after crossing Southside Drive. But with the water running so full, I decide to walk a quarter mile along the road and hit the trail after the creek. A ranger watches us, but does not disturb us, so I guess we are OK. Right from the get go, we have a nice view of Bridalveil Falls. Then hit the Valley Loop trail going towards the Pohono Bridge. The pace is good and I am walking comfortably. That is until we passed Bridalveil Meadow and had to cross a little creek. Some crossed on a log, I just picked a couple rocks to hop across. But this is sign of things to come. After that the hiking took off again.The long line of people behind me is fun to watch as it snakes along the trail. There is beauty in a column of content and happy hikers.
First Creek Crossing



At the Pohono Bridge, we stop long enough to watch the Merced flow by and I give a snarky answer to a fellow hiker about "isn't the Merced flowing the wrong way?" (my answer was that this is one of the few places in the USA where a river flows uphill. OK Gary, that is bad form.) Now we start our eastwardly journey. Within a half of a mile we stop for an outhouse break-yes there is a single outhouse there by the Valley View turnout.

We pass by Black Springs where a whole bunch of tube ferns grow and onward. I am hiking with Bruce, Charles, Meagan, and a few others, just enjoying the chatter. It is amazing how little you exert when you enjoy the people around you. Also the simple things become more alive.

Ribbon Falls From Cathedral Rocks
Ribbon Falls is now pretty close and we see little rivulets crossing the trail and sometimes using the trail as a passageway. We also catch glimpses of the falls through the trees. Ribbon Falls is one of those "now you see it, now you don't" type of falls. During the Spring it takes your breath away-the fall of water is more than any of the single Yosemite Falls. But you have to catch it when you can. But when you can, think of a ribbon coming down the side of a cliff. If only it was more catch-able, it would be a star.

Ribbon Falls

Ribbon Falls























Now we cross the road to the LogPile, Yosemite Valley's residence place where they get firewood. This is also the start or end of the Old Big Oak Flat Road, which the other meetup group went up to Ribbon Falls-we even see their cars there.

Log Surfing

Greg with a helping hand

Sherri by the Merced
But now we cross the main part of Ribbon Creek, or I should say we attempt to cross it. The water was running pretty good and there was no good way across, except for a large log. The log in itself would be OK to cross, but there was broken branches on it which made things a bit scary. Like what happens if I fall and perforate my delicate body? I suspect I would be left there as a warning of do not cross this log. But we all make it across and do not leave anybody behind.

Merced River with Clouds Rest and Half Dome
This is not the last bit of water we hit, but it was the worst. Now we travel past the toe of El Capitan and cross the road. We look at El Cap for climbers and Bruce finds one close to Horsetail Falls. Horsetail is going pretty nicely with the rain which came in  during the past couple of days. Our trail goes along the river and is pretty smooth, so we make fast time, that is until we come to another creek. This one is manageable and we all get across without a problem. All along the river we get such good views up and down the Valley. Hard to say what is the best looking up the Valley (or down), looking up the sides of the cliffs, or around at your immediate surroundings. All make you appreciate the creative workings which made Yosemite.

Horsetail Falls
I talked with Kelly for a ways, then  Graham and Charles. We now approach Camp 4. This time the group pretty much goes where we should-the last time I took a group on this, people scattered with one even starting to go UP the Yosemite Falls trail. And now that we are close to Yosemite Falls, we start to hear the thundering booms of water falling 2,400'. The thundering sounds of water is so good to hear from the last several years of there hardly being any spray. But the other thing which full falls brings is people who want to enjoy this sight. So our picnic area is taken, so we find some logs and enjoy lunch to the side.
Yosemite Falls






 After lunch we talk about different routes: going through Swinging Bridge-a bit shorter, or past the chapel which gives a good view of Yosemite Falls. Eight of us, including Sherri and I go via the chapel with Bruce leading the rest past Yosemite Lodge and Swinging Bridge. Cook's Meadow gives the normal, "I can't believe how Half Dome looks" view, it is when we swing past the chapel and walk parallel to the South Wall which gets the real attention. Yosemite Falls is there in all of its splendor-all three of them can be seen. During this time I have been walking with Dana and her friend Daphne-a first time with us. Good general conversation. We move along the Valley Loop and get to the Four Mile Trail jct to wait for the Swinging Bridge group.

But while we wait, we get treated to the eye candy of Sentinel Creek Falls. This is another ephemeral falls which rarely gets to show off its majesty. But today, we have only treat, no trick. The treat is a gushing falls where sometimes we would only see dry, dark rock or maybe a bit of spray. At the top, there is a bit of cascades, followed by a long drop of water to break on rocks 2,000' below where it started.
Sentinel Falls

Sentinel Falls

Final Creek Crossing
After ten minutes the other group arrives and we start the last leg of our journey. The trail takes us by the edges of Cathedral Rocks. There is another creek-from Sentinel Falls-which needs to be crossed. We pick our way across, getting a little bit of our shoes wet. Until this time I had been talking with Jessica-interesting finding out about the people you are hiking with. But before long is a bit of burnt forest around the Taft Toe area. The question arises about when was this burnt and how come? Poor Diana, Rebecca and AJ who now listen to me talk about prescribed burns and then onto backpacking for the next two miles. Meagan gets smart and flies pass me.

Northern part of Cathedral Rocks





Going around the edge of Cathedral Rocks is the most uphill on the whole hike and even then it is not much. Once around it, we descend down to Bridalveil Creek and shortly back to the cars. Good thing. My legs were starting to go rubbery after 12 miles. 12 of us decide to stop and eat at El Cid's in Oakhurst. Pleasant after hike meal, lots of conversation and enjoyable banter before getting back to Fresno.

Clouds Rest from the Merced River

Background


Extra Photo's
Leidig Meadow and Clouds Rest and Half Dome

Ribbon Falls

Ribbon Falls


Merced River from the Pohono Bridge

Sentinel Falls and Chapel Group

Yosemite Falls from the chapel

Merced River

Ribbon Falls

Burnt Tree and Sun

Saturday, April 23, 2016

April 23, 2016 - Yosemite Valley Loop-East Section

Title:April 23, 2016 - Yosemite Valley Loop-East Section
Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Background : Menu : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Camp Curry
Hike Info:
Type:  Hiking
Trail: Valley Loop Trail
Destination: Loop
Distance: 9.98 miles 1
Start Time: 9:18
End Time:  4:27
Travel Time: 7:08 (1.40 mph)
Moving Time: 5:18 (1.88 mph)
Elevation Rise: 1,118'
Maximum Elevation: 4,242'
 1Walking mileage and elevation only. Does not include riding on bus.

Description:
Another meetup hike today and this is Sherri's and mine game today.  There are seven of us going this morning: Art and Phil who will meet us at Eddie's Bakery and Vic, Sharon and Don in Oakhurst. With only four of us, we pile into my car a little before 6:30. So we get to Oakhurst early. Things are going well. Art wants to do a stop at Tunnel View for a few shots before making it down to Camp Curry. As a note: Even though we will be going to Half Dome Village and The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, I prefer the older and more historic names of Camp Curry and the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Silver Strand Falls from Tunnel View
Around 9:15 we start walking though Camp Curry on our way to Happy Isles. Weather is cool. On the way in, there was snow all along the road, even ice on one section. But down in the Valley, the ground is damp and much of what we travel along is somewhat paved.

Merced River
Before moving on from Happy Isles, we take advantage of the facilities. Our next section is the eastern end of the Valley Loop trail. This goes underneath part of the ridge between Half Dome and Grizzly Point. So we are in the shade here and the hand are starting to freeze up. But soon it will be warm enough. I have migrated to the front and am having conversations with Don, Art, Vic and Phil while Sherri has Sharon Vic and Phil at the rear. But this is a pretty homogeneous group, as far as the rate we are traveling. So the difference between the  front and back is only a matter of a minute. Our conversations range from the mundane to quasi-political to how the group makes sure that it has a comfortable environment. With a small group as ours, we have a bit more latitude with our topics.

Edge of Mirror Lake
Tenaya Creek





When we get to Tenaya Creek, two things happen. The first we turn right to go along the Mirror Lake Loop trail and second, the rate of stoppage increases dramatically. Why you might ask on the second? Well there is so much to take pictures of that ever couple hundred feet, there is something new (Art will take over 600 pictures today). Even before getting to Mirror Lake, there are a myriad of stops admiring North and Basket Domes. Of course when we get to Mirror Lake, the whole parade stops. There has only been a few times in the last five years which Mirror Lake has had enough water to create a mirror. But today, there it is and we, along with several others cannot take our eyes off of it. One couple is working on their sketches, others are content with their cameras.

Falls by Basket Dome
Ahwiyah Point Rock Slide with Mt Watkins















Mirror Lake Loop




Tenaya Creek
But wait, there is even better as we go along the trail. Some of our seven have not been this deep behind the lake. The trail takes us more than a mile beyond the lake.In that mile, we spot an unnamed waterfall coming out of a creek close to Basket Dome, the Ahwiyah Point rockfall, along with Half Dome. Of course there is the "normal" hiking stuff such as dogwoods in bloom, Tenaya Creek raging under us and us hopping across small ponds on logs. When we walk, we walk pretty good, but there is a lot of time we are only going a ways and taking pictures.

Royal Arches Falls and the Ahwahnee
We finally get to the west side of Mirror Lake. It is about noon and we have gone something like 5 miles. Now that is some very enjoyable miles. But as I am looking at our pace, I am calculating we will end our hike around 6pm. So what to do? We talk it over and decide we will walk on to the Ahwahnee Hotel. Then pick up the bus and get off at Yosemite Falls. From there we will walk back to Camp Curry and our cars.

And that is pretty much what happens. We stop at an outhouse a little below Mirror Lake, then head on to the Ahwahnee where they have a lot more classy bathrooms. Also we look around and enjoy the grounds. The bus is very crowded at the Ahwahnee, but all seven of us get on.  Fortunately for us the ride is short as this is a sardine-packed-type bus. Before we move out the the Ahwahnee, it should be noted that Royal Arches and its falls played a gracious host to us. It kept us enthralled for about 15 minutes.

Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is spectacular when there is water in it. While the spray is sparse at the bridge, it is roaring with life. So good to see it that way. Once we get back to the road, Half Dome is there, crystal-clear with a mantle of clouds on its forehead. Such a good day to be in the park.

Gary and the New Yorkers
Some folks from New York wanted their pictures taken, and I do that for them. Then they ask a crucial question: if you had a few more hours in the park, what would you do? Here I go into tour guide mode and give them places on the west end of the Valley: El Capitan, Bridalveil, Tunnel View. They day this is the most information anybody has given them in four days.  It feels good.

Photo taken by Art/Bill, caption unnecessary


Yosemite Traffic Jam
But what does not feel good is when we cross over the Merced and come up to Sentinel Bridge, there is a long line of traffic with rangers directing them to go back to the west end. No room beyond here. We walk back to Camp Curry, still hitting a good pace. And then we see a line of cars trying to get out, but stuck in traffic. Pretty soon we hear shouts from a couple of the cars and there are folks we know. So we go out into the road-traffic is not moving-and talk with them a bit.

Staircase Falls



We decide that we might as well eat here since we are not going to get out anytime soon. So we trot on over to Camp Curry and munch on pizza for awhile, enjoying a post hike fellowship. Yosemite even has one last treat for us. As we look up towards Glacier Point, there is a waterfall coming down sort of sideways-stair stepping. It turns out that is the name of the falls: Staircase Falls. As the air cools down, we decide to leave. By the time we make it back to our house, it is 9:00pm. Tired, but a great day of hiking.









Trail Lesson: Too much beauty to take in with the mind; open your soul.


Background:
  • According to the map, the falls we saw coming down from Glacier Point were Staircase Falls
  • The falls next to Basket Dome are unnamed.
  •  An early slack line video between Yosemite Point and The Lost Arrow 
  • Sketching lessons from John Muir Law, who created Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada.
  •  The Diving Board is the ledge to the south of Half Dome (I though it was the ledge off of Half Dome). The ridge from Half Dome to Grizzly and Sierra Pt is unnamed.
  • Video on the 1997 Yosemite Floods
  • The Ahwiyah Point rockfall let loose about 115,000 tons of rock in 2009.

Extra Photo's

Edge of Mirror Lake
Sherri below Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake
Falls by Basket Dome
Half Dome from Mirror Lake area
Royal Arches Falls

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Creek at the Falls


Flowers and Plants
Flowering Tree at the Ahwahnee
Dogwood