we entered yosemite np through the north entrance and drove across tuolumne [too-all-uh-me] meadows. one of the largest alpine meadows in the states; it's quite majestic. we stopped to pick up our wilderness pass for our backpack, and continued down the road to yosemite valley.
upon arriving in yosemite valley you are immediately greeted by el cap. we'd learn a day later that it takes climbers normally 3-5 days to climb el capitan's 3000ft face!
as you're careening your neck to keep peeking a view of el cap, you find yourself faced by half dome.with getting into the valley late, we set up our camp in the backpackers campground and headed off to the mountain lounge. for those east coast readers out there, i'll use this analogy: yosemite valley is to yosemite backcountry as gatlinburg is to the smokies. the only thing this valley lacks is a putt-putt course; although i'm sure it's hidden in curry village.
rising early, we broke camp, packed our bags and hopped a shuttle bus to the visitor center. we double checked the weather, used the bathroom for the last time, and started walking down the road. our plan was to hitch-hike up to tuolumne meadows and hike back to the valley. our hitch hiking proved to be harder than thought. the only two folks who stopped were from france and mexico. one wasn't sure where he was going and the latter had a full car. after walking down the shoulder for two miles, finally two guys stopped. they informed us they were heading up to tuolumne and would be glad to give us a ride. we enjoyed the hour and a half ride, and learned they both worked at the mountain shop. we thanked mike and eric as we exited the car at tuolumne meadows, hoisted our packs up, and started our four day hike into yosemite's backcountry.
rising early, we broke camp, packed our bags and hopped a shuttle bus to the visitor center. we double checked the weather, used the bathroom for the last time, and started walking down the road. our plan was to hitch-hike up to tuolumne meadows and hike back to the valley. our hitch hiking proved to be harder than thought. the only two folks who stopped were from france and mexico. one wasn't sure where he was going and the latter had a full car. after walking down the shoulder for two miles, finally two guys stopped. they informed us they were heading up to tuolumne and would be glad to give us a ride. we enjoyed the hour and a half ride, and learned they both worked at the mountain shop. we thanked mike and eric as we exited the car at tuolumne meadows, hoisted our packs up, and started our four day hike into yosemite's backcountry.
yosemite has the coolest looking trail markers.
making our way up the trail to upper cathedral lake.
getting camp set up with just a few remaining minutes of daylight left. the temperature drops quickly at 9000 ft, so out came the down puffy sweaters!
as the sun began to set, we got treated to beautiful cathedral peak.
watching the night settle in.
we awoke to a bright sunny day. we hiked up over cathedral pass...
where we were passed up by a few groups of mule trains!
enjoying the warm afternoon and the open views.
a lunch spot with the most amazing views! we sat eating our bagel sandwiches over looking the sierra nevada mountains.(side note: always pre-pack your bear cannister before heading out for a 4 day adventure. if this step is forgotten, be sure to eat the large items first.)
after crossing up and over cathedral pass, we came to long meadow. long meadow is the sight of one of a 'high sierra camps.'
this high sierra camp definitely had the nicest toilet! solar powered vent fan! very posh!
long meadow was a great place to take our packs off and stretch before we began the downhill section of our hike.
as we wound our way down to our next campsite, we passed many trees that looked withered and worn. there's a whole lot of sun, and not a lot of air up here.
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