Day 12 - Wed 06 May

Taking in the early morning view
We decided to go up to Glacier Point, and not down into Yosemite valley today. The road was opened for the first time yesterday after being closed for the winter.
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Not a cloud in the sky
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Start of the hike
We stopped on the way to Glacier Point to hike up to Sentinel Dome, which has stunning 360 degree views of the park. As you can see, there was still lots of snow about, even though it was very warm and sunny.
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Where did the bridge go?
The snow was still pretty deep and made it difficult to walk, and to find the trail.
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The intrepid explorer
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Peter loses a foot to the snow!
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So does Elaine!
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Oops... make that two feet!

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Elaine heads out for the summit
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Where did I leave my skis?
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Nearly at the top
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Elaine & Elmo make the summit
It was a long hard climb, but so worth the effort.
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No snow on the granite cap
The tree was a very famous old tree called the Jeffrey Pine, that was almost 400 years old when it finally died in the 1970's. It was one of the most photographed trees in the park.
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All narled and old
The tree not us!
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High wildlife
There are even cute chipmunks on the top here at over 8,000 feet.
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More photographs of half dome
What can I tell ya, it's amazing
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Elaine and Upper Yosemite Falls
You get a really good view of the upper falls from the top of Sentinel dome.
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Not a bad place for a photo
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Elmo has trouble in the snow!
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Even deeper into trouble!
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Saved by an intrepid explorer

Elmo is back where he belongs :)
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Heading down
After an hour at the top enjoying the breath-taking views, it was time to head down through the snow again. Legs like tree trunks help a lot.
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Wow, you cannot beat this view, even on the way down
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Vernal Falls
This was the waterfall we hiked up yesterday. You can just make out the tiny people to the right at the top.
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Half dome at its best
We drove on to Glacier Point; yet more stunning views.
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Peter looking a bit weather beaten
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Elmo makes a new friend

There's nothing better than looking for squirrels :)
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Final shots of Half dome

You can't help but love this view.
It was getting late so we decided to head on back to the hotel. It's a long windy drive.
We're going to make an early start tomorrow.
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Driven today -99 miles

Running total - 1,988 miles
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