The day started out grey. Having failed to contact Mary-Anne last night (which worried her, as I expected), I finally managed to get through.
My trip over Monitor Pass yesterday was so beautiful that I did not expect Yosemite to live up to it. The drive up Tioga Pass – this time in daylight! – was pleasant, and would probably have been better in sunshine. It did not really compare to Monitor Pass; after a while, everything looked much the same: lots of trees and rock. I still stopped frequently to take photos, though!
The first view of Half Dome from Olmsted Point was less impressive than I expected.
The drive into Yosemite Valley, however, was quite spectacular. The first view of the valley and Half Dome is quite a surprise. Almost everyone stopped to take photos. The sun was breaking through the clouds as I drove into the valley itself, surrounded by trees alongside the Merced river.
The trees clear and BAM – you are surrounded by high cliffs and mountains. (This photo was taken the following morning, with better light). I greatly missed the convertible we had last year in Colorado, which would have given me even better views. If you’re visiting Yosemite, rent a convertible!
My first concern was to contact Mary-Anne again, because the drive over Tioga Pass had taken far longer than I expected. (One of the locals had told me it would take about 90 minutes – that may be true for someone who never stops to look or take photos 🙂 ) I also had to find somewhere to stay, so I didn’t spend much time admiring the views on the way in. (OK, so I did stop once or twice…) I eventually found a nice, but rather expensive, hotel – again without a telephone! However, having a hot tub somewhat made up for that.
After checking in and getting myself sorted out, I drove up to Glacier Point to photograph Half Dome at sunset. Luckily, I stopped at Washburn Point to get some photos too, because by the time I reached Glacier Point, the clouds were returning, and Half Dome and the valley were already in shadow.
Mary-Anne would not have liked the road between Washburn and Glacier Points!
I turned back from Glacier Point just in time; on the way back, it started to rain, and became a downpour just as I reached my hotel. I needed my jacket for the fifteen steps from the car to my door, and my legs were still soaked! My planned dinner on the verandah was cancelled; I ate in my room, and jumped into the hot tub when the storm had passed.