The Road Trip Day 2: Foggy Mountain Monoliths
Woke up with yesterday's cloudy skies still hanging around. The coastal air was crisp. We packed up and drove with the windows...
Yosemite National Park, California
May 8, 2015
I woke up to yesterday's cloudy skies still hanging around. The coastal air was crisp.
We packed up and drove with the windows down. Today's journey was less than 200 miles and we had a camping reservation. The goal was to head out early, take our time, and enjoy the views.
Slowly, we gained in elevation. The temperature kept dropping.
Welcome to Fish Camp.
It was cloudy and ominous all day.
Upon arrival at Mariposa Grove, we were surprised to find at least three inches of snow on the ground. Water dripped from the trees, plunking loudly on our car's roof. We each took turns peering through the sunroof watching large droplets splash on the glass.
We got out and took a walk.
It was cold!
Yesterday's overcast delight spoiled me. I hope I brought enough warm clothes for the entire trip.
Caleb Jennings enjoying the cool air at Mariposa Grove.
With temperatures hovering in the mid 30's, there was talk of finding an alternate plan. We were not prepared to camp in the snow.
The decision was to find and rent a room for the next two nights. After all, we are on a vacation.
Headed to Tunnel View via Wawona Tunnel.
After exiting the park, we found a room with a reasonable rate. Camping would have been rough; my sleeping bag is only rated to 20 degrees.
Dinner was Mountain House pasta primavera and a generous glass of whiskey. I lost two cribbage games.
Tomorrow's plan is to hike the Mist Trail.
Hey, want a ride?
Turn it around:
Stick your thumb out:
The Road Trip Day 3: 7,200 Feet of Granite
It was easy to get up this morning. I appreciated the lack of snow. A head poke outside revealed beautiful blue skies.
Yosemite National Park, California
May 9, 2015
It was easy to get up this morning. I appreciated a lack of snow. A head-poke outside revealed beautiful blue skies. What luck!
After a short drive to Happy Isles trailhead, we hopped out, laced up hiking boots, got water filled, and applied sunscreen.
Ready.
Although it was steep, we breezed past the majority of heavily panting visitors.
About 1.5 miles, 1000 feet of elevation gain, and 600 stone steps later, we arrived at the top of Vernal Fall.
We found a comfortable rock and took a water break at the top.
I snapped a quick group shot.
Switchbacks are my favorite.
However, we didn't stop for long. Nobody wanted to hike in the heat of the day. Duh.
Up, up, up.
It was a steady incline the entire way.
Caleb at Clark Point.
Four miles later, we arrived back at the parking lot. Sweaty.
With time left in the day and not wanting to hike 3,000 feet up out of the valley floor, we jumped in the car and drove all the way around to Glacier Point.
Carter locked the car and the three of us waded through the crowd, politely waiting our turn for a view from up against the railing.
View of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point.
As luck would have it, a massive cloud eclipsed Half Dome and hung around for the duration of our stay.
Half Dome was half-visible.
I felt cheated, but on the other hand, it was a unique view.
Guess I'll have to return someday soon.
No, 'Cloud's Rest' is the other mountain!
Tired and hungry, we exited the park.
Caleb suggested a quick stop at the general store for some dinner additions. Once back at our room, Carter found some tunes, and I prepped dinner.
Whiskey was poured.
I had a big bowl of vegetarian stew out on the deck and watched sunset.
Tonight is our last night in Yosemite.
Hey, want a ride?
Turn it around:
Stick your thumb out:
About the Blog
Justin Kernes is a photographer and writer who thrives in the great outdoors.
From 2010-2017, he worked in the backcountry at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
In 2018 “Tiny Slice” successfully thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Photos and stories from my thru-hike of the PCT. This post covers day 111, Goat Rocks and my 30th birthday.