Back into the Yosemite Valley for a slightly different aspect and a more leisurely walk. Taking our time, we arrived in the valley about 1030 and took ourselves off around the Lower Yosemite Falls via the visitors’ centre. It is clean up week in Yosemite Park and the volunteers were out in force, some even carrying toddlers around on their backs whilst hiking and collecting rubbish, that’s dedication.
The Upper and Lower Yosemite falls were very impressive although there was little water at this time of year. It was easy to imagine how spectacular they would be in spring and early summer. A real reason for coming back! After a quick bite we decided to visit the Vernal falls at the other end of the valley. The free shuttle bus was ideal, and we set off with a little anticipation as there appeared to be a reasonable amount of water coming down the Merced river. This trail was a little deceptive however and soon became a test of Linda’s knee and our fitness.
We made the bridge at half way with the scenery growing imposing and impressive, high valley walls and a boulder strewn river bed. Then it got a little more challenging with several hundred feet of rough steps cut out of uneven granite chunks. The climb to the base of the falls was managed but the final push was pursued by Sabine and Ed leaving Linda to save her knee and me to take pictures.
Their climb to the top was tough as the steps were becoming really steep and uneven, no railings to hold either! Eventually reached they reached the top and had a breathtaking view of the canyon and the mountains on the horizon. The stream heading towards the edge was slow at this time, but evidence further up the stream told another story of more water carved high walls with much debris strewn around. The descent had the adrenalin pumping more then the ascent and was particularly hard on the knees.
Again, nature could not fail to impress, and the scars of flood water were very evident with impressive pools both above and below the falls. We eventually returned to the valley floor and by the time we got home, had a shower and quick pack, we were ready for a steak dinner in the near town of Oakhurst.