Yosemite Trip Part 3 is a continuation of my first full day in Yosemite. After taking a water/rest break, I decided to continue the hike up to the top of Nevada Falls which round trip is 7 miles from Yosemite Valley. The hike to Vernal Falls is a moderate hike, continuing on to Nevada Falls makes it a strenuous hike. I was really starting to feel it in my legs when I got to the top of Nevada Falls. After taking a break, I prepared to head back down to the valley by way of the John Muir trail. Two cute guys that I met on the trail tried to talk me into continuing the hike with them which would end at to top of Half Dome.
The thing about the Half Dome hike besides it is a long hike (10-12 hours round trip) to reach the summit, to be able to reach the summit, the cables (ladders) have to be in place because it is the length of 4 football fields at almost 90 degree angle. This is a hike that is best started at sunrise. Hikers/climbers also need to be careful for thunderstorms in the area because Half Dome gets hit by lightning frequently. I found out when I got back to the valley that the cables were not in place yet so it wouldn’t matter. As much as I would love to see the incredible views from the top of Half Dome, I don’t think I could handle it due to my intense fear of heights.
By the time I made it back down to the valley, my legs were like jelly. I couldn’t wait until I got home and developed the rolls to see all the photos I had taken. About an hour or two later I decided to push myself and made the hike over to Yosemite Falls. It’s an easy short hike to the tallest waterfall in North America so it is always crowded. One thing that surprised me was how loud the falls are. I took a few photos and used up that role of film. The next roll that was put in the camera was my b/w roll. Halfway back down the trail I stopped turned around and took a photo of Upper/Lower Yosemite Falls. This was by far the best picture I took from my trip. I have had visitors to my apartment think that it is an Ansel Adams print. The highest compliment this nature photographer can receive.
Deciding to treat myself, I went over to Ahwahnee Hotel restaurant and had prime rib. Overpriced but it tasted good. Just as I made it back to my tent, the skies opened up and it started to pour. I read for a few hours and then went to sleep.