Yosemite Hike - 6

Tithing to the Marmot The guide book says you will meet a Marmot at the top and sure enough, you do. I've made this climb almost a dozen times now and have not failed to encounter Mr. Marmot. Since nothing grows on the top, the furry one must subsist on tourist handouts. And with a face like this, who could refuse?
Got this picture by accident. Jason is on a rocky point between the camera and Glacier Point (green area behind Jayson's head) where our car is parked. Directly above Jason's head is probably a raven or hawk of some kind. Pretty cool, huh? Below is Yosemite Valley where we will end the day. It's a long way down, some 8 miles away but it is far easier than hiking up with a 40 pound pack!! On the right side of the canyon (picture center) is El Capitan. No doubt there are several climbers on the face taking in the view of Half Dome.
Lunch on the Face of Half Dome Without a doubt, this is one of the most spectacular pictures I've ever taken. Jason is having lunch on the FACE of Half Dome, legs dangling over the vertical drop, framed by a granite wilderness beyond. I'm sitting on a large shelf, feet over the side as well. The difference is what it took to get there. A foot wide cat notch in the face is the only way out to where Jason is. Needless to say, the views from here are incomparable. Cellular service is even available for ET to phone home... which we did you may recall.
Really Big Tree Last but not least, Jason and I ended our inspection of Yosemite with a trip to the Giant Sequoias. There is a road through this tree! All in all a great trip. The weather cooperated; there was plenty of water both to drink and to see despite the late season date; and we escaped the daily grind if only for a while.