Our first morning in Yosemite had us get going to (eagerly) see the famous Yosemite Valley, the main hub of attractions and facilities within the park, as well as home of the world famous El Captian and Half Dome. On the way there I had to stop my bike to admire the huge towering rock face of El Capitan. The valley was full of trees whose leaves had turned bright yellow, and the Merced river wound along the road. It was an impressive ride, one we would do many times!
I met Tanguy by the general Store in the middle of the village where he was making phone calls regarding his steering bearing. Once that was sorted we headed out for our first hike. We had decided on hiking up the valley to Vernal and Nevada Falls, approx 5 and a half miles return. The hike was quite popular, gently sloping at first then a set of steep granite staircases.
So many stairs!
Liberty Cap
Looking up at the Nevada falls
We were treated to some pretty nice views, still plenty of water in this river still. We ate lunch along the way, enjoyed the sun at the top of Nevada, and hiked abit further until we could see Half Dome behind Liberty Cap, a steep, stand-alone pillar that dominated the view from Nevada Falls. We had to take the same steep route back down as the winter, longer trail was closed. Our knees sore, we rode back to the store to pick up dinner supplies, then rode back to camp (24miles of winding roads) to cook dinner and rest.
Vernal falls
Next morning it was set to be another warm, sunny Californian day. We opted to ride to Glacier point to get an above view of the valley. Tanguy went again to make some calls and met me at the top. It was a long ride with a couple of nice views leaving the valley, then through the forest to the point. It was pretty stunning to say the least, I’ll let the pics do the talking!
The Yosemite Valley and Half Dome seen from Glacier look out
Amazing panoramas looking down into Yosemite Valley
After staring down the 2000′ cliff face, we rode back 2mikes to the start of the Sentinel Dome hike. It’s was a fairly easy 2.2mile RT, to the top of a nicely rounded dome with 360views.
Hiking up to Sentinel dome
Our stomachs growling, we rode back to the village to find some lunch. After our sandwhiches, we headed to the visitor centre for more info on Hikes, views etc. a friendly ranger told us a perfect spot to catch half dome for sunset, so we rode down to a stone bridge to watch some beautiful reflections and colours light up the face. We chatted to the fellow photographers, then went to the theatre where we bought tickets to a Search and Rescue ranger presentation at 7. Much fancier than we were used to inside a modern room with a huge screen! It was really informative and interesting how they rescued people from steep, 1/2mile vertical rock faces, as well as other places. We ran into the deli we hadn’t yet discovered which had late night pizza upstairs. After a tasty dinner we rode home in the dark, thinking about plans for the next day.
Sunset on Half Dome
Long time no see a national park! At least a week, must be good to be out there again.
Only big city so far SF, but supposedly more to come, according to the map.
How come a steering bearing goes wrong, age? too many turns ;-)? unnoticed oil leak?
Can and will be put right, the fun not to be dampened.
Keep well, enjoy – away for 4 days.
Baci on Sunday
Back to nature and nice views. You could not miss this this one on the way down isn’t it.
Steering problems… not so comfortable… need to be looked after – hopefully you can get the pieces soon. Until then, drive safely and enjoy the view.
We still have nice weather !
Take care both of you. Mum