I was planning to cover some mini “la” considering anything less than 18,000 feet should be considered mini. And to cover some thing incredible like 18,000 feet we need our best group.
Yosemite national park was the place which was there in my list for a very long time. (http://www.yosemitepark.com/)
One of the pristine national forest in northern America, Yosemite has got some wonderful passes. Tioga pass at 9,943 feet was the one i was looking to cover. As this was end of November chances are that the pass might be closed for snow.
I started from my sister’s place early in the morning with some good breakfeast. As I was driving prius I was sure I would not have much of a problem for the gas. With 4 hours of drive I was about to reach Yosemite Valley.
Sierra forest with snow covered trees welcomed me. Inner self happiness was very evident with bright eyes and casual humming of songs. To click some picks of the roads and car was not a problem at all, but being a solo traveler is that you loose interest of taking your own snap after a while.
After halting in couple of view point, I reached the half doom. It wasn’t tough to find a parking near the visitor center considering it was a cold early winter day. The moment I saw the things to do in Yosemite I was sure it would just be impossible to cover Yosemite even in a week.
After walking through the sierra forest, I was patiently waiting for the sun to drop down in the Half doom. Soon the place was filled with numerous photographers trying to get the glimpse of the something spectacular. If you think its worth to see changing color in rock when gradually sun sets then you wouldn’t mind spending an hour just watching this.
Immediately after the sunset the whole valley was at its silent best. People left the place in no time. I wasn’t delaying much as I had to find my hotel. Getting up a place to rest in Yosemite could be challenging, out of our normal travel norms I pre booked Days inn in Oakhrust.
I had to drive south of Yosemite park. After hours drive my GPS was getting cranky it was just showing some random direction. After few min Jill lovingly said you have reached your destination only to find that you are in middle of nowhere.
After wandering for a while, I started to drive in south direction towards the main city. After good half and hour drive I finally found some street light and houses. I was much more than happy to see a small village and Days inn just in the middle. I didn’t mind much about the place as I was already tired enough to crash.
Oh why didn’t I mention the status of Tioga pass. Unfortunately it was closed. I was still lying in the bed still thinking it would open the next day.
I believe every minute is the morning is worth when you are travelling. I was ready and had to wait for few minutes before the hotel folks fixed the breakfeast.
After driving for an hour and half I was in middle of the Yosemite Valley. What would you say when you have spotted a wonderful mule deer just at the start. Not a bad start for a 55-300mm lens.
I crossed a pass at 6,643 to reach the Yosemite valley. Unfortunately Tioga is closed even today. I have to keep it in my list, may be next time.
After trekking for few hours I had already covered couple of view points and waterfalls. I still had few hours left. I decided to trek till Mirror Lake. I was keeping my hopes down as the winter would have dried the lake. I was sure I wouldn’t get the amazing reflecting of the doom on the mirror lake.
After couple of hours of walk , I reached mirror lake , not to my surprise there wasn’t much water, I decided to walk a further till I see a stream of water. I rested for a while grabbing my energy bar and drink enjoying the stream. I trekked back just stopping by the visitor center souvenir center.
Even before sitting in the car , I was just wondering when I can come back here. I still believe we would need more than a week even to cover half of this amazing place. While returning I stopped at the tunnel view. I don’t think Yosemite visit can end without a snap of Tunnel view.
Driving back to SFO was happening quick, As my mind was still wandering in high Sierra’s.
