A single day in Yosemite is not nearly enough to even begin to experience all the park has to offer. Our team managed to collectively accomplish quite a lot. We woke up and had three different shuttles from our host into the park. The first van which was initially expected to be quite empty left at 5:00. It was filled with the 6 riders who had passes to hike Half Dome (Brian, Margaret, Noah, Brad, Josh, and Dave), Benji and Tom also went to start the climb to Glacier Point really early, and Sarah, Neil, and I went without to much planned.
After dropping off all the climbers, Kalli dropped the three of us at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. We had yet to eat and thought if we were up we'd start our day with a warm breakfast. While in the food court there may have been 5 other people present, so when I saw someone in a Bike and Build shirt I was confused at why and how Neil had changed so quickly. It turns out though that it was not Neil but two members of SUS 2013 who were in Yosemite for the day, one of whom we will see when he is our host on Thursday. We had breakfast with them and chatted non-stop about our trip and B&B life. Then the two of them headed out since they were heading up Half Dome and we're going to be surprise running into our 6 climbers.
From breakfast Sarah, Neil, and I decided our priority was pretty and relaxing views. We hopped on one of the park shuttles and rode it around to Misty Trail, it was the initial park of the other crew's much longer climb. On the bus ride and for the next hour or so we played the fun game of name every city we stayed in, in order. It went pretty well and without it we may have made it more than 3/4 to a mile up the hill before Neil realized he had left his phone on the bus.
We turn back and with some of the best luck ever Neil has his phone in his had about 10 minutes after reaching the bus stop. We then head back to the trail and back up to where we had been. We take a few vista pictures and then bask in the beauty when we reach Vernal Fall.
There we relax on a rock and as Sarah points out it is 9:30/10:00 so well it must be time for first lunch. We snack enjoy the mist off the waterfall and realize how comfortable the squirrels are around people. It is actually almost a nuisance as they try to come get all of your food like a dog would with a dinner table. However, I took advantage of the situation and after using a almond for bait on what was I think my fourth attempt I catch a squirrel under my had. I release it right away, but was quite happy I had managed it, meanwhile the squirrel remains completely non-skidish. We decide to fish up our snacks and head on a bi farther.
We climb on up to the top of the falls where we are amazing to have our first bit of 3G since before the park. We become temporarily distracted, clear off some space on my phone for more picture and the head out. At the base of Nevada Falls, 3/4 of a mile farther up, we once again stop to take a few pictures. While stopped we also realize that we are right near a great area to go for a little swim
Neil and I had been itching to get in the water so we jump at the chance by climbing down the rocks. After quickly changing we realize the water is a bit cold but not nearly as cold as many of the garden hose showers we took all summer. It was almost even the perfect refreshing temperature for us. We swim, nap, snack, change and then decide to head back down. We were kind of reaching the point of craving real food.
Once we reach the entrance to the trail we hop on a bus and head to Yosemite Village. We the grill has a great little and reasonable menu. We then explore the general store, and head back towards the lodge I split off and stopped in the visitor center as well as Ansel Adams gallery on the way. I have to say if you haven't seen his work in Yosemite you're missing out, the photography is incredible. I wish I had photos I had take. Of his work but you weren't allowed and the google images you find will be even better.
Right before reaching the lodge it began to rain so I wasn't supposed when I the met up with a number of people. Everyone seemed to have had a great day. Half Dome photos looked incredible and it is now my number one hike on my list todo. We had a few hours until the van would return for us so we tried unsuccessfully to us the wifi and just ate some dinner. It was a nice way to spend 2-2.5 hours before heading back to the campsite.
The drive back was a bit scary at times as the road was steep and windy but as Kalli had gotten us down, Alice managed to get us back out. At the host most people were ready for bed and quickly hit the sack. I can't believe it was our last day off and we only have 4 more rides and 1 build day to go. Where did this summer go...