Day 11 - Tue 05 May

Our first view of Yosemite valley
A bit early, but still a stunning view as we drove out of Wawona tunnel into the valley. Half dome in the background and bridal veil falls on the right.
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Yosemite Falls
Because of the melting snow in spring, all of the wateralls are full of water at this time of the year. Yosemite falls is particularly impressive, being the 5th tallest waterfall in the world.
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Elaine taking her first shot of half dome
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The result
Probably the most famous feature in Yosemite
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More half dome
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Spring blossom
There are also some gorgeous plants and trees in the park
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Even the bicycles look good
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Starting up the trail
After driving around the valley floor for a bit we decided to take the trail up to Vernal falls. It's described as a "strenuous 3 hour round trip rising over 1,000 feet". It's also called the "Mist Trail", you will see why later.
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Vernal falls
Our goal, with some lovely views on the way up.
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Ready to go
Seems like a walk in the park at this stage.
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Looking down on the flood
Because the falls were so full the river was a torrent.
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Getting steeper
At this point not only was it getting steeper, but the whole "Mist" thing started to kick in. The trail is so close to the falls that the spray from the falls blows over the trail. Quite pleasant (at first).
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Rainbow's End (or rather middle)
The mist from the falls can create some great rainbows.
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A closer view
The waterfall is pretty stunning as you get closer, and so loud it sounds like thunder.
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Steeper and a LOT wetter
As you get closer to the top it gets really wet, and steep. Very treacherous footing.
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Always time for a photo opportunity though
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You get really close to the falls
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Made it
It was a long hard climb, but we eventually made it to the top, and it was well worth the effort.
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We both made it
At least it was sunny at the top so we could dry out a little before going down.
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or rather, all 3 of us did
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The river feeding the falls
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Some cute wildlife at the top
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The only way is down
Well, that's not actually true. We could have walked another 1.5 miles and 1,000 feet in elevation to see the Nevada falls, but it was getting late.
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Even wetter on the way down
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Really wet!
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But really beautiful too
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Cloud over half dome
By the time we reached the valley floor again the sun was going down and a few clouds were rolling in. So we started the drive back out.
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View on the way out
We stopped at Wawona tunnel again to see the view we had on the way in, but the sun was only just hitting half dome now. Still very impressive though. Anyway, back in again tomorrow, and will probably do Glacier Point. The road to it was just opened today after its winter closure, and there are great views of the valley from up there.
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Driven today - 100 miles

Running total - 1,889 miles
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