Half Dome viewed from a vantage point near the Mirror Lake Trail
This photograph of Half Dome shows just the tip of the noted peak. We met a ranger guiding a group around Mirror Lake and we asked about certain sights in the area and he recommended an ascent to a vantage point where we could see a view of Half Dome that not many others get to witness.
I was intrigued by this suggestion so I began the upward trek, but it was going to take more time than I had planned for so I just snapped this one shot and returned. I do have a minor regret that I didn’t go to the top of the trail to get a fuller view of Half Dome, but as they say, that is water under the bridge now.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
Snow patches were found on Lembert Dome as well as distant mountains us
As seen on the distant mountain in the photograph above, snow was still abundant on certain trails especially in areas that were under shade during the warmer part of the days. As we hiked Lembert Dome, we came across patches of snow; some quite large.
This did not deter us as we adjusted our path to avoid any difficult hiking spots.
The post for Day 173 provides a better idea of the patches of snow we found as we reached the top of Lembert Dome. You can see it HERE.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 244 YOY – Year of Yosemite
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Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Streams running full caused several challenges for us
When we plan a hiking trip, we watch the weather for weeks prior to our visit. There have been times when weather events have forced us to alter our goals. We had planned a hike at Capitol Reef National Park – Utah, but recent storms washed out the trail (one of the best) and we were forced to abandon that hike and select others.
Prior to our visit to Yosemite, we watched the weather for a number of weeks. We understood that there were recent rains and snow melt and because of that, we were not surprised to find wet (often soggy) terrain and full-flowing waterfalls. Having the waterfalls at or near their best was important to us.
Some of the northern national parks also have tentative “opening” dates. There are provisos that weather may postpone the opening of the park. Just a week or so prior to our arrival at Yosemite, Tioga Road was not open; plan and be ready.
The picture above is one indication of how the recent rains and snow melt posed problems for hikers. We needed to ford this stream a couple of times and it was a challenge for us to locate a shallow, narrow point in certain instances. Having current and recent weather information can be very helpful in planning and executing a hiking excursion.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 243 YOY – Year of Yosemite
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Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Snow melt and recent rains created streams with a strong flow
As we hiked the various trails, there were places where the streams were flowing higher and faster than “normal” because of recent rains and the snow melt. We are not novices when it comes to water crossing, but one must be prepared.
The photo above shows just one place where we had to make a stream crossing. Understand that this was the “best” place we could find for a number of yards in each direction. Other areas were wider or had less debris for our feet to rest. Logs can be very tricky when used as part of a pathway because they can roll. I always “test” them first before putting all my weight on them. This is one place where hiking poles or walking sticks might be helpful depending on our style. I was careful and lucky so my feet remained dry on this hike despite a number of similar crossings.
I think it is important to make sure we have the correct hiking boots or shoes. I strongly recommend having hiking boots/shoes that are waterproof at least partially if not totally. Another precaution we take is to carry at least one extra pair of socks each. Nobody wants to hike in wet socks. Wet socks are not only uncomfortable, but I feel it can cause physical problems for our feet. [I also have a couple of very large safety pins that can be used to pin a wet sock or two to the outside of my back pack to hasten drying if needed.]
What can be more important to hikers than their feet?
BTW…One other thing I learned via experience is to make sure the hiking boot or shoe has a good solid “toe bumper” in the front. Those tree roots and rocks are continuously trying to stub my toes and the more tired, the more they seem to be nipping at them! Generally speaking, purchasing budget hiking footwear doesn’t pay in the long run or walk!
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day XX YOY – Year of Yosemite
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Capture date: June 7, 2016
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Canon PowerShot A590 IS
Snow melt and recent rains created streams with a strong flow