After leaving the Sierra high country, we hiked near the base of Half Dome (yes, we did climb it!), through Little Yosemite Valley, and eventually into Yosemite Valley itself. While it was nice to have some of the luxuries of civilization (e.g. showers, flush toilets and beer), coming off the trail into that much chaos is a little overwhelming. We spent the next day in the Valley picnicking, sight seeing and relaxing. That night, we drove up to Glacier Point for one last look at the Yosemite high country, and to escape the crowds a bit.
On the way up to Glacier Point are some fantastic meadows that have gorgeous wildflowers, peaking in about mid-July. Those meadows also have huge numbers of mosquitoes, so I didn’t spend long.
We spent most of our time enjoying the view from Glacier Point, reminiscing about the adventure we’d just had, and looking forward to the next one. Not a bad end to a backpacking trip by any stretch of the imagination.
Half Dome, July 2010
Great shot. Beautifully arranged. Sounds like the whole trip was one that makes you glad to be alive. Except for the mosquitoes maybe…
Even the mosquitoes weren’t that bad (despite my belly aching). Its still better than a day at work…
I know what you mean about the crowds. I love that hike once you hit Vernal Falls. After that, it’s only serious hikers.
“It’s still better than a day at work…”
Most things are…