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Now day 1 draws to a close... AND IT ONLY GETS BETTER FROM HERE!! (Note:
'Better' is a relative term. When defined by a 16 yr old, it means more excitement... Stay
tuned!) |
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Day 2 begins with a brisk hike up and out of the Illouette Falls area. We
are now on the other side of the canyon looking back at Glacier Pt. It's impossible to see
the observation structures on Glacier from this distance but they are located on the nose
of the mountain on the left. Below is Yosemite Valley floor. About 3 days before we
arrived, there was a rock slide down from Glacire Point into the valley. It completely
obliterated a refreshment stand and blocked roads... the very roads we were planning to
take on our way out. Fortunately, the slide occured at night so no one was hurt. Alternate
trails were arranged by the Park Service making the final leg of our journey possible. |
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We are now nearing the day 2 lunch spot at the top of Nevada Falls. There
are several spectacular overlooks along the trail affording views of Yosemite Valley,
Nevada Falls, and Half Dome. Each glimpse of Half Dome makes day 3, the final assault,
more intreaging. By the time we actually get to Half Dome, we will have walked 180 degrees
around to the other side... and NONE of the sides appear climbable! |
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Nevada Falls! It's a bit shorter than Illouette, measuring some 250 ft
tall. But the amount of water crashing down the face makes it even more spectacular. The
entire force of the Merced river which runs through the length of Yosemite Valley begins
its journey over Nevada Falls then Vernal Falls and finally into the valley floor. |
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Pictures, as usual, can't do the scene justice. The camera is pointed
straight down roughly from the same vantage point Jayson occupies in the previous frame.
The sound of all this water hitting rock can be felt as well as heard. |
