Yosemite

(Not as it should be in February.)

 

 

We started in the valley and slowly progressed in altitude

enjoying the changes in scenery and the beautiful day.

 

It was the Friday before Valentine's Day, the beginning of the

President's Day weekend.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the entrance fee was waived.

We chose to pay the fee and by doing this hoped we would miss the weekend crowds.

It seemed to work in our favor.

 

This is a not-to-be-missed view.

It's always our first stop.

Unfortunately, you will notice that there is absolutely no snow in the valley or

on the peaks.  That is not a good thing at all.

 

It bothered me to have Wesley miss the trip but he didn't have a school holiday

like everyone else.  We are to the point of...If we wait for everyone to be

available, then we will never be able to take any more day-trips.

 

 

Bridalveil Falls 

 

Bridalveil Falls. 

We have been here when the path walking up to view the falls is wet and slippery

and we have been here when there is no water flowing at all.

This is a happy medium.

 

Yosemite Falls

The hike to the base of this fall is very beautiful but we didn't go there this time.

Instead, we hung out in the meadow and enjoyed the panoramic view of the valley.

 

 

While we were enjoying the meadow walk, these two hiked up to Vernal Falls.

You can sort of see the splash of it over Nathan's shoulder.

 

 

When it is cold and there is snow and ice, it is impossible to get to the falls

because the trail is closed.  Not this February.

 

 

They met a very friendly squirrel along the way who has unfortunately

 

been habituated to people.  So much for the "Do Not Feed the Wildlife" signs.

 

This is the closest any of us are going to get to rock climbing...

hanging out in front of the mountaineering school and store.

 

 

This was the funniest picture of the day.

I needed to use the bathroom so we hurried across the main parking lot to

where they are usually located.  Imagine my surprise to find the steps,

deck, and a "Closed for Cleaning" sign but no bathrooms.

I guess they had hauled away the portable building for the winter.

 

Overheard on the bus:

"I am from Tennessee and have traveled all over the United States.

Yosemite is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.