Yosemite Valley: 20-21 July, 2004

Chris organized Andrea's birthday trip to Yosemite Valley. Even during the week, it was not easy to get a spot on a campsite. We ended up on Wawona Campground in the south of the park.

On Tuesday, we hiked from Glacier Point Rd first to Sentinel Dome with its great panoramic view, and then to Taft Point and the Fissures, with its sheer cliffs. Andrea made Greg rather nervous by going too close to the edge...
Afterwards, we went to the campground to set up tents, then returned to Glacier Point to watch the panorama, the sunset and the crowds.

cliffs near Taft Point, South Rim

On Wednesday, we went down into Yosemite Valley, had a quick stop at Bridalveil Fall, then started our hike up the Yosemite Falls. Up and up and up. 7.2 miles/11.6 km round-trip; 2,700 feet/823 m elevation gain. At the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, there are great pools and big slabs of rock where we had a break and lunch and a very careful play in the water... Afterwards, we went up a bit further and around to Yosemite Point to enjoy the great views. The way down was long and hot, but entertaining because of the sandal-clad tourists intending to hike up the falls at 3pm with only 1/2l water on them....
Chris drove us home safe and sound. It was a great trip.

The pools above the falls