Day 4 - Yosemite National Park (1)

15th February 2011

Daniel and I enjoyed a superb day at Yosemite National Park. Before leaving Perth, I had booked a full-day tour with Incredible Adventures, a small group tour (9 plus driver/guide). At crack of dawn, we were picked up by our guide, Tim, and cleared San Francisco via the Oakland Bay Bridge. It had been rainy in San Francisco and a heavy snowstorm was predicted for late afternoon at Yosemite. However, on nearing the Park, blue sky appeared and remained cloudless for the next five hours. The snow on the ground sparkled in the warm sunshine and crisp, clean air.

Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Spires
from Inspiration Point

Deer in the bush

 

This scenic lookout gave us a clear view of the glacial valley of Yosemite National Park, with the Merced River running through it. Eighty-one miles of the Merced River runs through Yosemite National Park, including this stretch in the Yosemite Valley.

 

Very pretty to look down on, but it was only after walking several miles in this beautiful valley that I could truly appreciate the treasures to be found in this valley!

The tour continued through numerous scenic viewing spots throughout the park and valley. Being mid-winter, there were very few others or vehicles around. Such a beautiful place, almost entirely to ourselves.

Bridalveil Fall (620 ft)

Daniel at Tunnel View lookout, showing El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks
and Bridalveil Fall (below), looking out through Yosemite Valley

 

Tunnel through the mountain is 1000 ft long (320 m) through solid granite.

Bridalveil Fall

Yosemite Falls

Merced River

[To be continued with more photos on next post...]