Gary-Summer: Pohono

Showing posts with label Pohono. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026 - East Side of Yosemite Valley

Title: April 30, 2026 - East Side of Yosemite Valley
Hike Info : Description : Background : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Camp Curry Parking Lot

Trail: Valley Loop

Destination: Loop

Distance: 5.83 miles 1

Start Time: 11:26

End Time: 4:10

Travel Time: 4:44 (1.23 mph)

Moving Time: 2:42 (2.16 mph)

Elevation Rise: 591 '

Descent: 595‘

Maximum Elevation: 4,072'

Minimum Elevation: 3,992'

GPS Tracks

¹The actual GPS track includes two times on the tram. I have removed those times from these figures.

Description:

Looking up the Merced from the Fens

I got up at 6:20 wondering if I was going to go on today’s hike in Yosemite Valley. Reason why I am unsure? Yesterday I had my COVID-19 vaccine. Usually this only leaves me with a sore arm. But last night I was really sore and tired.

Sherri comes in and wonders if I am going. I have a weak Yes. It will be just Sherri and I. We take off at 8:15 with me driving. It goes pretty smoothly until after Oakhusrt. Hazardous trees are being removed from along the side of the road. Looked like a guy is just about to fall one when we pass by. But this puts us behind a long line which plays into when we get to the entrance station. We get into a line which is about half an hour long, finally entering the Park at 9:40. Lesson learned is to start earlier. There is a stop at the Glacier Point Road. The lot is full with bicyclists as the road is closed to motorized traffic, but bikes are allowed. We finally get to Camp Curry’s parking lot at 11:05.

Gary, the Hiker

Our boots hit the dirt at 11:25. Our first stop will be Happy Isles. We walk to the backpacker’s parking lot, then take off on a trail which leads us away from the road, not that there is traffic on it. A backpacking couple with a foreign accent came upon us. We talk-they are heading up to Cloud’s Rest with the goal of Sunrise Creek tonight. That is adventuresome, particularly since they are starting around noon. But they are in the same situation as what I have been in: wondering if they are on the right trail? Yes. I tell them how to get on the JMT.

Tenaya Creek Bridge

Lost Arrow

We stop briefly at Happy Isles before going on. There is the obligatory stop on the bridge to look up the Merced. Then we continue on the Valley Loop on the east side of the Valley. While eyeballing a dogwood, another hiker passed by, and we exchanged greetings. Then he stopped and we talked for a time. He talks about his wandering, having visited several national parks in California. He is from Illinois and has been on this wander for over a month.. I am surprised that he is in his 50;s. He explains that he is retired military and just in his 50’s. We probably talked for about 15 minutes when I realized that Sherri had gone on. My new friend told me to tell her that Lyle is to be blamed for holding me up. In reality, we both enjoyed talking and exchanging stories.*

When I catch up with Sherri, she is at the Tenaya Creek Bridge. We crossed it and found a nice log by Tenaya Creek to have lunch. Around 1:15, we started walking again. The big decision is do we go to Mirror Lake or go further around the Valley. We chose to go further around the Valley.

Base of Yosemite Falls

We got off on a paved path which will run us around past the backpacker’s camp. A few steps later a bicyclist comes by and says there are a couple of bear cubs ahead. Oh, be still my heart! Will we actually see a bear? We walked aways and there was no bear. But about ten minutes later a couple more people told us about a bear. And then we see the crowd gawking-a sure sign something is up. And there are two cubs and a mama bear scurrying away. I guess we are really too late for a good sighting.

We walk under the Royal Arches and its falls. This takes us past the Ahwahnee cottages and to the hotel itself. There we relaxed for a little while, enjoying Glacier Point to the south and contemplating how much more we wanted to do. Sherri would like to get close to Yosemite falls. We missed the tram, so we started to walk towards the Falls. We got to the Village. Sherri’s foot was starting to bother her and there was a tram bench for us to sit on. While we wait, I study a tram map-remember this because it gets into play later on.

The tram lets us off at the start of a quarter mile walk to the Falls. We go counter-clockwise to get to the falls-it is a bit dryer this way as well as a gentler incline. The spray is not too bad and we cross the bridge without getting soaked. Standing in the viewing area, we get to talking with a couple from upper Michigan. Fascinating how hiking we can talk with people, finding out different things. It just reinforces that talking with strangers can be good for us.

Yosemite Falls

We leave Yosemite Falls and walk back to the Northside Drive. Instead of waiting for the bus-it goes all the way around the Valley as far as the Pohono Bridge before getting back to Camp Curry, about a 45 minute trip. Even with that time, maybe we should have taken it.

But we did have a good walk through Cook Meadow. Looking east gives us a great view towards Half Dome. Plus the walk is relaxing. I thought I had seen where there was a tram stop at Sentinel Bridge. But when we got there, we did not see a sign for the tram. There was a guy dumping trash. So we asked him about the tram. He said no, but gave us directions to the nearest tram stop-over at the other large parking area.

We walked over there and a few minutes later, we were resting ourselves on the tram as it went past Housekeeping to Camp Curry. It is good to be back at the car. We shed our boots and take off. There is not a whole bunch of traffic, except around Wawona where we follow a pretty slow car. The next question is where to eat? I suggested El Cid in Oakhurst. Sherri did not object. It was a filling dinner. We made it back to our house by 7:30, a bit tired, but glad we went.

Background

*A few days after our walk, the New York Times asked the question, Do you talk with strangers? My kids would say when do I not talk with strangers?

Extra Photo's

Half Dome from Cook's Meadow

Lower Yosemite Falls

Sierra Point

Lower Yosemite Falls

The Ahwahnee and Glacier Point

Upper Yosemite Falls

Sierra Point from Cook's Meadow

Flowers and Plants

Dogwood

Thursday, May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025 - Yosemite Backpack

Title: May 15, 2025 - Yosemite Backpack

Hike Info : Description : Trail Lessons : Menu : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Hike Info:

Type: Backpacking

Trail head: McGurk Meadow Trailhead

Trail: McGurk Meadow, Pohono Trail

Destination: Bridalveil Creek

Distance: 2.12 miles

Start Time: 10:45

End Time: 12:04

Travel Time: 1:19 (1.61 mph)

Moving Time: 1:06 (1.93 mph)

Elevation Rise: 334'

Descent: 507‘

Maximum Elevation: 7,084'

GPS Tracks

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Bridalveil Creek

Trail: Pohono Trail

Destination: Dewey Point

Distance: 5.23 miles

Start Time: 1:57

End Time: 7:05

Travel Time: 5:07 (1.02 mph)

Moving Time: 3:42 (1.41 mph)

Elevation Rise: 1,266 '

Descent: 1,203‘+

Maximum Elevation: 7,351'

GPS Tracks

Description:

I get to go backpacking with my kids. Well, at least two of them-Rachel and Steven. It did not work out for us to backpack last weekend when Andrea was with us. Still, it is good to be out there. Two more things: they are no longer kids and two, we do not know if we are really going to be able to backpack. When I go to recreation.gov, it shows no permits are available anyplace in Yosemite. Our plan is to go to Yosemite and see if we can find availability. If not, we will do a day hike today, return to Fresno and go on a hike tomorrow with Sherri.

The three of us say our farewells to Sherri and leave at 7:45. I am driving. We stopped in Oakhurst at MacDonalds for some substance. Then at the Visitor’s Information. Both the Park and Sierra National Forest no longer have a presence there. All which the docent can tell us is that we will need to go into the Valley to get our permit. We enter the Park and go to the Wawona Ranger Station, which is closed. But I notice they have a bulletin board out in front. Is it possible we can do self-registration? Yes!

Now the question is where to go? I proposed a couple of places: Alder Falls or Bridalveil Creek. We chose the more relaxing trip to Bridalveil Creek. We set off for the McGurk Meadow Trailhead and arrived about 10:30. It takes us a few minutes to get ready, but our feet touch dirt at about 10:45.

Rachel's Log Crossing

Sherri and I have gone down this trail all the way to Dewey Point as a day hike. Also nine years ago, Sherri, Sonya and I did an overnighter on this trail after an aborted JMT and Chain Lake trips. Memories. That is one good thing about taking a walk down a trail you know well.

But today is a day for new memories with my son and daughter. We go the first ¾ mile down to McGurk Cabin. Here I make my usual comment that McGurk must have been a pygmy as the doorway to his cabin is only about 3’ tall. Then we see the beginnings of the greens of his meadow. Somehow this meadow which does not look that big continues for over a mile. It is a breath of refreshment, especially since so far we have not attracted any mosquitos.

There are two notable things about the trail today. First, there are good patches of snow, even about 10-15 yards long. Nothing which causes a problem, just being on the alert for any ice under the snow. Then the other thing is the trail crew, if we have any things year, has not been out yet. It is a bit early for them. There are numerous logs across the trail. Some we go around, some we go over and one tree we do a limbo under. I guess I am going to get my exercise today.

We get to the junction with the Pohono

Looking east from Dewey Point

trail pretty quickly-after all it is mostly downhill. It is about a quarter mile to Bridalveil Creek. Once there, the mission is to find a campsite. While the area is pretty level, there is a slope to it. For Steven, that does not matter as he sets up his hammock. For Rachel and I who will be sharing a tent, it does. But we find a place which is reasonable and pitch our tent. Then it is on to lunch as it is a little past noon now.

We discussed what we wanted to do. It was decided to go to Dewey Point, only a little more than two miles away. The trail does have some debris, but not the number of downed trees like we encountered from McGurk. The trail leads us around the Valley rim, but never at a place where we have a few. It is mostly forested.

There is a sense of a rolling uphill towards Dewey Point. I am breathing hard, but by stopping occasionally I make it to the Point a little after 4. The view is spectacular. Anytime you look into the Valley, it is enough to take your breath away. Today it is not only figuratively, but literally. But Yosemite provides even a better backdrop. The snow is still heavy above 8,000’. Tops of mountains show a bit of granite but their flanks are coats of white. One can stay here a long time just gazing. God does know how to paint a picture.

Rachel takes a picture of our conquest. Then I leave a few minutes ahead of them. I realize that I am the weak link of this party, so I leave a few minutes before the others. I start off following some footprints to the southeast of Dewey, but quickly realize this is not the way. I spot the mileage marker just 20 yards away and head towards that.

When I got back on the trail, something did not seem right, so I stopped to let my body catch up with what I wanted to do. The next thing I know, Steven is asking if I am OK. I am wondering where I am, as in why am I on the ground. From what Steven said, I was out for about ten seconds. After a couple of minutes I got up, a bit concerned about what happened. Rachel puts her Apple watch on me to get some heartbeat and O2 readings. I looked at my CGM to make sure I did not go low. Everything looks good. Heart rate 115-130, O2 low 90’s and blood sugars at 180. After some discussion, we decided to call my brother David who has had some EMT training. We described the situation. He walked us through some of the concerns and possibilities.

With David’s input, we discussed what to do. I am feeling better, so the decision is to try to walk back at least to the junction, about two miles and see how I am doing. Rachel keeps David on the phone until we leave the service area. But that is not too much of a concern as both Rachel and I have PLB’s. Steven walks in front of me, pacing me, with Rachel making sure I look OK. The pacing is slow, very slow with lots of breaks.

We get to the junction and I am doing OK. So Steven goes quickly to camp to draw water for dinner. By the time I get to camp, it is 7pm. Fortunately there is a lot of sunlight left. I rest while Steven and Rachel prepare dinner. Dinner is freeze dried lasagna and chicken pot pie. We have a little bit more than we needed. Still it is better to have too much than not enough.

By this time, the sky is darkening. But even more which we are aware of is that it is getting cold. Around 8:20, Steven retreats to his hammock while Rachel and I duck into our tent. Even in the tent and sleeping bag, the temperature gets a bit brisk until the bag warms up. I read for a bit and then go to sleep around 9:00.

Trail Lesson: Realize what is important in your life.

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
At home and McDonalds	Ritz Crackers, Peanut Butter, Nutella	Freeze dried lasagna and chicken pot pie	Clif Bar, GORP, Jelly Belly

Extra Photo's

Clark Range From Dewey Point

The Gunsight

Ribbon Falls

McGurk Meadows

Clouds Rest and Half Dome

El Capitan

Flowers and Plants

Snow Plants

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024 - Yosemite Valley West

Title: November 13, 2024 - Yosemite Valley West

Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail head: Bridalveil Falls Parking Lot

Trail: Valley Loop Trail

Destination: Loop

Distance: 6.95 miles

Start Time: 11:14

End Time: 4:18

Travel Time: 5:04 (1.37 mph)

Moving Time: 3:53 (1.79 mph)

Elevation Rise: 835'

Descent: 843‘

Maximum Elevation: 4,061'

GPS Tracks

Description:

I went to bed with the thought we would be going to Yosemite in the morning. But uncertain what time we would leave. I got up at 6:30. Sherri gets up around 7 and we leave at 8:25. Sherri starts off driving. But we stopped in Oakhurst for a pastry at Judy's. Actually Sherri got a blueberry pastry and she got me a buttermilk glazed pastry. Judy’s threw in some donut holes as well.

South Fork of the Mered

Bridge over Bridalveil Ck

And then we went on with me driving, stopping briefly in Wawona before going down to the Valley. The stop enabled me to look across the South Fork of the Merced to see if we could cross it to see the Arboretum-the Merced is a bit higher than I was willing to attempt. Last week we hiked the East end of the Valley. Today, it is the West end. We were able to park at the Bridalveil Falls parking area. It has been revamped over the past two years and is much better, especially the bathroom which previously stunk. Probably because this is a late Fall weekday, there is plenty of parking available.

We started hiking a little after 11. I decided that we would go counter-clockwise, east along the Valley Loop Trail. This would take us up the more prominent climb first, rather than doing the climb when we were tired. To clarify, this is not a serious climb, but as the last mile of a 13 miler, it is with heavy legs we have climbed up this section close to Cathedral Rocks.

El Capitan

The air is cold. It must have been below freezing overnight as all puddles on the south side of the Valley had ice on them. About half of them were frozen solid. We have poles which help and on almost all of the frozen puddles we were able to navigate around.Between stopping every hundred yards to admire the beauty around us and trying not to slip on the ice, we were pretty slow in our hike. Slow never means that we did not enjoy our time, maybe it means we are enjoying it too much? I do not think so. You can never over enjoy Yosemite.

Cathedral Rocks

We have met several people along the way, some who know where they are going and some who do not. All we warn about the ice around Cathedral Rocks. Once beyond the rocks, the trail flattens out. We are able to walk a bit faster now, still admiring the woods.

We approached the Cathedral Beach area, where Andrea and Lawrence were married almost 13 months to the day. We leave the Valley Loop Trail and cut over towards the

El Capitan Bridge. But before crossing them, we find a nice log, sit and have lunch. Pleasant enough to rest. We spend about 15 minutes here and left about 1:15. Now we cross the trail and find the trail over to the Valley Loop Trail, under El Capitan.

Here we meet a family from Australia who are enjoying the Park. They have spotted a couple of climbers on the El Capitan’s Nose. We talked for about 15 minutes before we both went on our way; they went towards the east and we went west. When we get a clear view of El Capitan, we play the game of finding the climbers. We spot three sets of them. Always glad to see them up there and us on the ground.

The part from El Cap to the Pohono Bridge is a bit of a blur. A blur of yellows and reds and greens. This is why we hike the Valley in the Falls, to enjoy the assortment of colors. The trail itself rolls over ridges and undulates through ravines. The creek bed which Ribbon Falls runs through is dry, as expected.

We get to the Pohono Bridge and cross it. The Merced is slowly running under the bridge, allowing for the colors to reflect off of the still waters. Then it is time for the final leg back to the parking area. We travel up the Merced, soaking in its beauty. Also since we have been stung here before by meat bees, we are on the lookout for them. But it is too cold for them to be active.

Merced from the Pohono Bridge

The last obstacle is Bridalveil Creek. At times, usually in the Spring, it is running too full to cross. Today, we picked our path on rocks in the water. Then we made it back to the car about 4:15. It has been a full day.

Merced and El Capitan

Sherri starts us driving back and I take over in Wawona. We stopped at Carl’s Jr in Oakhurst. Then make it back to our house about 7pm, getting on the Zoom call at 7:10. Once it is finished, the shower calls me and I must go.