Saturday
Saw a spectacular, panoramic view from Sentinel Dome. I am not only impressed with Yosemite’s natural beauty, but also with the people here! Everyone seems to be in a good mood, smart, and friendly. The manager of Curry Village came to open my locker, and spent a good 10 minutes just chatting with me.
Most of the people here are physically fit . . . and sooo good looking! I almost want to take photos of them; they are as beautiful as the scenery! But they might think that’s weird, so I don’t. Many young couples, handsome men, people from Europe, and happy kids.
Sunday
A couple people from Virginia joined Susan and me on our way to Lower Yosemite Fall. They helped me climb the slippery rocks closer to the fall, but I stayed back while they dared to climb close enough to touch it.
In the evening, our camp neighbors invited us to share wine.
Monday
It is a 1000ft elevation hike to Vernal Fall, and the trail was full of children. There was even a little three-year-old (in the photo, in front of the pink pants), holding a walking stick with one hand, and his dad’s hand with the other.
Susan and I cooked dinner at a picnic area under the cliffs. While we were out there, two rock climbers came to their car which was parked in front of us and changed out of their climbing gear. I could hear them speaking Dutch and wanted to talk to them, but suddenly felt shy! Later, when they finally drove off, Susan said, “You should have invited them to join us. We have plenty more eggs.”
Tuesday
Short hike to Vernal Fall Bridge in the morning
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias at noon
Tour of High Country: drank Alpine creek water, saw one lake after another, one spectacular view after another
Bridalveil Fall on the way back
7:30pm: It’s dark outside and people are back at their tents, bustling
around. There is a new couple across from us, sitting on the rock having a smoke, relaxing. The weather is very comfortable this week - warm enough at night with the sleeping bag unzipped.
Wednesday
This morning someone called “Bear!” and the guy laughed as I came running. He said he came face to face with the bear and they both “scared the crap out of each other.” So the bear had turned the corner, and I didn’t see him.
I came to see beauty. And I did.
