March 12, 2017 – East Yosemite Valley Loop

Title: March 12, 2017 – East Yosemite Valley Loop

Hike Info : Description :  Background : Extra Photo's : Animals

Trail head: Camp Curry Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail:Valley Loop Trail

Destination: Loop around Mirror Lake and Yosemite Falls

Distance:  Approximately 12 miles ¹

Start Time:10:30am

End Time: 5:00pm

Travel Time: 6:30   (1.85 mph)

Moving Time: 5:00   (2.4 mph)

 ¹I still do not have my GPS, so no tracks, no mileage or elevation gain or time walked. So the above is guesses made upon other hikes.

  
Description:

Sherri and I are training for the California Classic Half Marathon-it is a run, but we will walk. Just trying to get down under 4 hours for 13.1 miles. So we set up a series of training walks with the our meetup group. We start out with about 20+ people who were interested, but only have 9 total on the walk. But it was a good group.

Staircase Falls

We had been up to Yosemite on Wednesday, March 8^th and there was about 3” of snow all across the Valley floor, so we were expecting some snow and lots of mud. Also Highway 41 into the park is closed until March 15^th (it actually opened on the evening of the hike), so we have another 30-45 minutes of travel. Still to see the beauty of Yosemite in the Winter. So we get to Camp Curry around 10:15 after a stop in Mariposa at the Burger King.

The air is cool, but clear. It will be a wonderful day to hike in a T-shirt. Staircase Falls is running nicely along the western face of Glacier Point. Because the trail looks a bit wet in places, we walk the road up to Happy Isles. We do our traditional stop there for relief. Things are looking up as much of the snow we saw a few days ago has gone and there is a niceness of standing in the sun.

Because the snow is gone, we pick up the Valley Loop Trail after crossing the Happy Isle Bridge. Robert is a bit ahead while Angel, Betty and I talk a bit. But nobody falls really behind. This is familiar territory and pleasantly away from the road, even though only Park vehicles go along that road. Few tourists know about this trail. We come out at the Tenaya Creek Bridge where we make a decision. That is to do the full loop around Mirror Lake rather than the more direct route. There will be muddy places, but what I have seen so far looks good, no more than what I have seen in other years.

Low end of Mirror Lake

I can tell that the legs are going to do ok, but I am carrying way too much weight. At least, the lungs thinks it needs more oxygen to continue movement. But this is the scenic part so there is lots of reason to stop and view Tenaya Creek. Below Mirror Lake, it rushes down over many rocks. But once we climb up to the “lake” itself, all is peaceful. It lives up to its name with good reflections of North Dome and Mt Watkins. 

Reflective Pond

When we pass by a little pool, I wonder if anybody have read the The Chronicles of Prydain by Llyod Alexander. Reason? In The High King he talks about the Mirror of Llunet. Where Taran went to find out about himself. Does this small pool have that same qualities? I think not, it only reflects what it sees.

Tail end of Bobcat

But then the highlight of the day happened a little beyond Mirror Lake. I was a minute or so behind the lead when everybody stopped. “Why?” is the natural question? Then there was a little movement of a stripped tail, but a pretty big body. The head was behind a rock. My brother, from a distance, looked around on the other side and said, “bobcat!” Angel had spotted the cat on a hunt, maybe a mouse in the meadow below us. A few minutes passed and he stalked down passing in front of some trees, with his eyes on something. Then regained the trail behind us. Just breath taking. All were excited.

Bobcat on prowl

Sun coming over Half Dome

Ephemeral falls (not a name)

After the bobcat, it returns to the same old trail. You know, a trail with only the usual drop dead gorgeous sights such as looking up towards Half Dome and AhwiyahPoint and watching the sun gentle rise. Or Mt Watkins and Clouds Rest covered with snow. Nothing very spectacular at all. We stop for a few minutes on Tenaya Creek Bridge before moving on.

Mirror Lake with Mt Watkins

We reached the west side of Mirror Lake by 1:30. So we stopped for lunch. But one of the things which makes walking with the group is the conversation. Sometimes it is serious stuff about life. But today it started with Rocky and Bullwinkle. Of course, it de-generated into other characters-Boris and Natasha, Dudley Do-Right, and of course, Nell.

 

Trail on north side

After our PB and Nutella sandwiches, its time to hit the trail. Some people are in need of relief facilities which are about ½ to ¾ miles down the trail. So we rush along and make it in time to a lonely outhouse sort of halfway to no-where. Now it is time to make it to the Ahwahnee Hotel (Majestic Yosemite Hotel, if you prefer, I do not.) But first we start our walk along the northside of the Valley besides Indian Caves and WashingtonColumn. I think I our group is starting to tire a bit under the warm temperature. But there is a bit of relief to that as we have our gaze focused on Royal Arches and its Falls above us. There is no spray from the falls, but the runoff goes right down the trail. Most are able to go from rock-to-rock-to-tock without difficulty. But a few want to have a bit more stability to traverse our watery-way.

Royal Arches Falls

After Royal Arches, we hit the Ahwahnee, we do a quick walk through. The group confirms my thoughts about it being tired, so rather than continue to take the Valley Loop trail, we walk through Yosemite Village. It is a bit shorter and leveler. I draw attention to the Lost Arrow, Yosemite Falls and the Ranger's Club. But I was going to take them along the back way into the lower falls, but it is roped off as closed. So we go up to the base of the Lower Yosemite Falls. The trail has a layer of packed snow on it.

Middle Yosemite falls

Gary  and the group

We return to the tram area where I give a choice: return to Camp Curry via the tram or walk the 2-3 miles back to the cars. Three take the tram. David, Sherri and I want to walk it and off we go with Rebecca, Betty and Keith. Now it is paved path and pretty level. We cross Cook's Meadow and the Merced River and come out at the Valley Chapel. For a short way we go up Southside Drive, then crossing over at Sentinel Bridge.

Half Dome from Cooks Meadow

Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge

Mystery Rings

A month ago I saw a piece in the Facebook Yosemite History group about some rings in a rock across from Sentinel bridge. The speculation was they were there to tie up horses, but others are thinking they may have helped support an early bridge. I am interested in finding them. David and I look for them while others go on. Eureka! There are the rings. Not sure what they were used for, but it was fun finding them.

Horsetail Falls

Now it is time to make for the cars. We pass the LeConte Memorial, Housekeeping, and the employee housing. Then David and I go into Camp Curry to see if the pizza place is open-it is not. But when we get back to the car, the group has already decided to eat at Happy Burger in Mariposa. So we pile into our cars and head on out. By the time we get back to Fresno, it is 8pm. A good day of walking.

Background

Horsetail Falls is one of those ephemeral falls which many Spring comes down from the side of El Capitan. During sunset in February, Horsetail captures the redness of the sun, making the falls look like it is on fire. A natural fire fall.



Extra Photo's

North Dome

Meetup Group at Mirror Lake

Ahwiyah Point

More falls

Mt Watkins from the Ahwiyah rockslide

Top of Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls

Horsetail Falls

Birdalveil Falls with Cathedral Rocks behind it

Animals

Bobcat

Bobcat

Bobcat

 
Flowers and Plants

April 11, 2015 - Yosemite Valley East Loop

Title: April 11, 2015 - Yosemite Valley East Loop

Trail head: Camp Curry parking lot

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: Valley Loop Trail

Destination:Loop

Distance: 11.33 miles ¹

Start Time:  9:46

End Time:   3:28

Travel Time: 5:41 (1.99 mph)

Moving Time: 4:21 (2.60 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,250'

Maximum Elevation: 4,334'

 ¹Some of the GPS' on the trip recorded above 13 miles. I went a little farther in going back up Tenaya Canyon to meet one of our hikers which did not start with us. Some of the figures include:

• Distance: 12.40 miles
• Moving Time: 4:47 (2.59 mph)
• Elevation Rise: 1,369'

Description:
This meetup hike's list started with 25 people going and a wait list of another 20. But by the time Saturday morning rolled around, we had 16 people with us. Oh well. It was another Kohl's starting place at 7am on a Saturday morning. We met up with Lianne and Micheal in Oakhurst at Starbucks. Then onward to Camp Curry.

We get to Camp Curry's parking lot, the big one to the east of Camp Curry a little before 9:30. Jon and LaTanya were meeting us there, but I do not see any sign of them. So I do a brief walk over to Curry Village and find Jon coming towards me. But no LaTanya, so we start out on our walk around the east end of Yosemite Valley, following the Valley Loop Trail. Jon turns out to be very knowledgeable about the Valley and I enjoyed listening to him.

Merced River at Happy Isles

We walk up the road to Happy Isles, all in our group. Happy Isles is the first of four scheduled stops. Why Happy Isles? Mostly because there are bathrooms with flush toilets available there.  But there is also a good sense of beauty surrounding this place which from Muir comes  a Tennyson quote in Ulysses:

It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.

With some water in the Merced, the river is singing a melody, but for how long is what I wonder? We round the bend and take the trail which which parallels the road, but most of the time is far enough away you do not hear Yosemite's quiet shuttle buses. So we are content with talk amongst ourselves, enjoying each others company. Even though Yosemite is pretty dry for this time of year, we still see dogwoods in bloom, along with an occasional redbud. This is the place which Yosemite gives us, the gentle green of plants growing amongst the giants of granite. May we always have the wisdom to appreciate them.

Mirror Lake, Pond?

Ahwiyah Point Rockfall

We approach the junction where we can go to Mirror Lake from the west or the east. Our path lays the longer way, around the east. It has been many a year since I went this way. In 2009, there was a rock fall from Ahwiyah Point which closed the trail. But now we are able to hike it. We perceive the slide and how much rock has come down. I understand why the park service felt it prudent to wait years to make sure no more boulders would come crashing down. As massive as this rock fall was, it was not terribly large by historic standards. Such as it was not as large as the 1996 Glacier Point fall.

Teneya Creek-South

Teneya Creek-North

But onward we go. We soon come to a couple footbridges, one crossing Tenaya Creek, the other, the dry Snow Creek. Now we are on the return stretch back to Mirror Lake. Passing the Snow Creek trail junction, it brings back memories and the knowledge that another part of our meetup group is above us today. The memories is when Karol and I came down Snow Creek last June. The section between this junction and Mirror Lake just seemed to go on for ever. While not as long today, this trail is deceptive in its length.

Mirror Lake Ducks

At Mirror Lake, we stop for lunch. There we enjoy reflections of Half Dome and the ducks paddling across the water in front of us. In the middle of lunch, I get a text from LaTanya asking where we are? She was in the Camp Curry parking lot. Mystery, isn't it? Her current position was crossing the footbridges we had crossed earlier. I made arrangements with Rose to go on to the Ahwahnee and I would go back and walk with LaTanya. Glad she made it up with us-I have enjoyed her company on past hikes. We catch up to the group at the Ahwahnee.

Yosemite Valley

When we leave the Ahwahnee, we separate ourselves from the Valley crowds by following the Valley Loop Trail. This takes us in back of the Visitor's center, up about 75' above it. Most visitors do not go this route, but we do. And we are rewarded with a view of the western part of the Valley.

Yosemite Falls

We have been on the trail for awhile, but the Falls, that would be Yosemite Falls, revives us. Not because we jump in, but the mere sight brings rejuvenation  to our souls, at least mine. It is a wonder to meditate on things like this and realize that God places it there for our pleasure. Evidently, though, some wanted to get a bit closer and we see a couple of people silhouetted  above the lower falls-you can barely see them in the picture.

 After quick pit stops at the Yosemite Falls flush toilets, we are off on our return trip. We cross Cook's Meadow and take the pedestrian bridge across the Merced and end up at Valley Chapel. Then it is time to rejoin the Valley Loop and head east. We pass by Housekeeping and LeConte Memorial, which is closed for the season. From there it is less than a mile to Camp Curry. We lose both Jon and LaTanya here. Jon departs to his housing in the Valley-he works for DNC. The mystery of how we missed LaTanya is resolved-there is a different parking lot which she parked in.  Now I know.

We get ourselves all bundled back into our cars. Some of us stop at El Cid's in Oakhurst for dinner. Then on to Fresno and a shower. Such a day. Very few are better.

April 22, 2014 - Yosemite Valley East Loop

Title: April 22, 2014 - Yosemite Valley East Loop

Trail head: Camp Curry Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type:  Hiking

Trail: East Yosemite Valley Loop

Destination:Camp Curry Parking Lot

Distance: 9.20 miles ¹

Start Time:  9:57

End Time:   3:07

Travel Time: 5:09 (1.79  mph)

Moving Time: 3:41 (2.50 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,268' ²

Maximum Elevation: 4,255

Original Map of planned route

Description:
What a day and what a hike! This is a hike Sherri and I did last year and really enjoyed. So we have been encouraging others to take up this hike. Jerry J took up our challenged and after a rain delay a month ago we are set to walk the East Yosemite Valley Loop again. Now, this is a name Sherri and I have given this loop, so you probably will not find it too many other places.

Our day started with doing a breakfast of strawberry pancakes for a few people going on the hike. Then it was off to Kohl's to meet with the rest of the group. The sky is dark and as we head towards our first stop in Oakhurst, there is a few spots of rain on the windshield. Once inside Yosemite and as we climb up the skies become darker and the few drops which were on the windshield turns into a constant splatter of water. Then the water turns more flake-like into snow. None sticks on the road, but around the Glacier Point Road turnoff, the sides of the road has a slim coating of white. The question which comes into our minds is, will this snow follow us to the Valley? Will it become more of a storm instead of this fine dancing snow?

Mist towards Vernal Falls

We get to Camp Curry and start getting our rain gear on. While the rain's presence is made known, it is not intense, nor is there snow. So bundled up, and off we walk as a group to Happy Isles, less than a mile away. Happy Isles has a restroom, so we stop for a few minutes for relief. This will be the rhythm of our walk today. With 12 people, there is always a need for relief. Which is good because our route contains facilities every few miles.

As we wait at Happy Isles, the rain stops, but the mists in the mountains still cover these mounds in a shrouded of mystery. The water vapor floats in the ravines, lifting their skirts and then hiding the surrounding slopes. This is a season which I love Yosemite. Always changing, but a consistency behind this curtain of clouds.  This dance is well played out when we look up the Merced from Happy Isles or as we turn our gaze towards Half Dome. This dance will continue the rest of the morning.  While we are content to watch, we do have a hike to walk. But, before we leave, the Merced catches our attention showing how full and lively it is.

Merced River

Mist covering Half Dome

Our trail now heads north along the eastern base of the Valley wall. While always sensing the road is only 10-20 yards away, we do feel a bit of isolation. The road is used only for buses, service vehicles and those who are handicapped. This isolation is enhanced due to the lack of people on the trail. Even during the summer, this is a section of the Valley which you can withdraw to and see only a dozen people along its two mile course. A word of caution: neck strain can be a problem. First, because your gaze is always attracted upwards towards Half Dome as it loams above you. Also today with the clouds going back and forth, it is fascinating following them.

Half Dome

Just after a junction which follows the eastern part of Mirror Lake, we hit the now vacant road up to Mirror Lake. The trail passes over the Tenaya Creek Bridge. It does not disappoint us as there is a magnificent view of Half Dome. The rest of the walk up the road to Mirror Lake is a bit non-description, if anything in Yosemite can be called that. It is just pavement pounding.

Mirror Lake and Mt Watkins

But Mirror Lake makes up for the pavement pounding. It has been a long time since I have seen the lake look so, well, reflective. The last several years when I have seen it, there has been more gravel and stone than water and reflection. But today with the sky clearing and hardly any wind, the lake was showing the surrounding mountains, particularly Watkins, very clearly. So glad we came up today.

Jerry and Stone Garden

Then to Jerry J's joy, we spot the rock garden-a place where people have set up a monument to ducks-not the flapping wing kind, but that which is stone upon stone. These ducks are everywhere. I wonder who has the time to do them. I have a couple of thoughts about these gardens-I have seen them over by Yosemite Falls and in the Lodgepole campgrounds, to name a few places. First, there is something which causes me to pause when I observe these creations. It is fascinating how something so simple can be so attractive. On the other hand, these things can be so compelling that people will litter the landscape with them. Do I really want to see this when I come to Yosemite? Or anyplace else which I hike?

Stone Garden

Glacier Point

We now turn westward on our hike.We walk by the Indian Caves-unseen, under the Washington Column, and gaze up at the Royal Arches and the little bit of falls from them. Some horses pass us by and we get to follow them for a ways--we try not to get too close to them. But they turn off towards the stables and we continue on.

Yosemite Falls

The Ahwahnee hotel comes into view and we spend a few minutes touring through this historic and beautiful building, still alive with charm and majesty. But onward we go. As we get close to Yosemite Village, we see more and more people, but lose some of them as we climb the only real nice climb on our whole walk. This is the part which rises above the Village and to its north. From here we get to see Yosemite Falls more from the side. You can see the spray as the upper falls hits the rocks below.

I need to ask the Wilderness office about when do quotas occur, while Ursala wants to ask about getting a summer permit to climb Half Dome. Bill tags along to see what the excitement is about. The Wilderness Office is close, but Earth Day festivities are occurring. There is a booth concerning the Yosemite wilderness and so we stop in there to ask. And who do I see? Heidi! She has issued me many a permit from the Wawona Ranger Station and is the one who first recognizes me. So it is good to see her. I get to ask my question-the wilderness quotas start on May 1st. Heidi finds an alternative entry point to get an overnight permit for a Half Dome trip. Altogether a successful side trip.

Lunch Time Crowd

Yosemite Falls

We continue on to meet up with our group at Yosemite Falls. Sherri has gone down to look for me and is waiting below in the sun on a large rock. We have lunch, enjoy the falls, and get relief again. But now the general feeling is to start on our trip home. So instead of going down to Swinging Bridges, we cross Cook's Meadow and head to the Valley Chapel.

From the Chapel, we head eastward along a path which takes us past Housekeeping and Le Conte Memorial Lodge. It is not far now before we reach the intersection, close to Camp Curry. But first, Half Dome loams over us again as we gaze at it across Stoneman Meadow. If anything, Half Dome has grown more stately in this elegant setting. What a way to end this trip.

Gary Holding Court

After piling into our vehicles, we take off. But as we look back, the sight of the Valley is too much so we stop at Tunnel View and snap some pictures and take off back to Fresno. But some of us stop at Todd's in Oakhurst for our obligatory time to enjoy the BBQ cuisine. We end the day tired, but feeling good.

Yosemite Valley From Tunnel View

¹Note: When comparing the mileages from last Fall and this time, there is a three mile difference. The difference can be attributed to on our Fall hike, Sherri and I walked a mile further up the Mirror Lake area until we hit the Snow Creek trail. Secondly, after hitting Yosemite Falls, our return trip went via Swinging Bridges, instead of going directly to the Valley Chapel like we did this time.

²Note: The elevation gain always seem way too much. But that is what the GPS said. The only way which I can see we gained so much is through little ups and downs, with a few 100' rises.