Something tells me that salt, fat and preservatives are not always good for humans either.
Just pondering.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
I wonder
Something tells me that salt, fat and preservatives are not always good for humans either.
Just pondering.
Yosemite - Nevada Fall
After a good relaxing break in company of some of the wildlife (but still no bear), we got on our feet and started the other half of the trail. Objective: top of Nevada Fall.
Beginning of the trail was not very clear. To be honest several times we wondered why there was no mark to guide us. There are signs every now and then but trust me never when there is some ambiguity. Why not putting the famous red and white mark like in Europe? Just a thought of course. Maybe they expect you will get lost and help feeding the bears (which by the way we still haven't seen).
Same story as with the first half of the trail, after a given point you start to see the fall and each step reveals a bit more. It's really crazy how much my body was ok to endure so I could see these great landscape. Still, something tells me tomorrow I will have a hard time to walk.
Getting closer and closer from the Liberty Cap granite dome and the top of the fall.
And after one final effort (i.e. even steeper trail), we reached the top of the fall and were speechless, once again.
Look at this view on the Yosemite Valley! and look how high we are :) yes we are proud to have climbed 600m or so (what only 600m; it felt way more!) from the bottom of the valley until the top of the Nevada fall.
To go down we chose to take the John Muir trail. It's a bit longer than the Mist trail but offers a different way thus different views.
John Muir was the one who managed to convince President Roosevelt to protect Yosemite (including Yosemite Valley), Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as National Parks. Obviously he is not someone you can ignore when you visit Yosemite National Park.
In 2 hours or so we were back at the car. Going down goes really faster but is also very hard on the body as you struggle to keep your balance and pace.
Now we can sit and rest :)
In 2 hours or so we were back at the car. Going down goes really faster but is also very hard on the body as you struggle to keep your balance and pace.
Now we can sit and rest :)
Yosemite – Hike to Vernal Fall
6:45am we were awake and cold. I want to highlight that for once Wolfram was the first one up. He freely chose to get up that early.
Consequence, by 8am we were at the starting point of the trail to reach first the Vernal fall and then the Nevada fall.
Happy Isles
After parking the car and making it food free (you know, let's not be bear careless) we walked to Happy Isles, and quickly got on the little island. Based on the map we could pass 3 bridges and get to the trail. Except bridge #3 was missing. We tried twice and when we came back at the center and checked the map again we realized that the line representing the bridge had been erased. Badly erased as half was still there, but erased. Facing the option to walk back all the way down to the next bridge, we decided given the little water in the river to cross. After all those rocks must be used every now and then.
A few clumsy steps later we were on the other side. We quickly climbed up the hill through the bush and made it to the trail. People walking the trail at that moment must have wondered where the hell we were coming from, just appearing out of nowhere.
From happy Isles we went up on the Mist trail. Just 5.5km uphill.
As we were “climbing” along the river, Wolfram seized the opportunity to teach me how to get “silk water” on my pictures.
Note for myself: use Tv mode, changing time of exposure and have the camera perfectly still!
We can already hear the water. Once again, it's fall so there is little water in the river. All these rocks must be immersed in the spring. A whole different story.
Walking the trail was not as easy as we thought. Yosemite newspaper referred to it as “strenuous” and “very strenuous” in the 2nd part and they were right. It's becoming steep and steeper and steeper and steeper....
The last part before the Vernal fall was a bit of a challenge but definitely worth the effort. Luckily for us the weather was cloudy and therefore we didn’t have to walk under the sun.
At this stage, each step further up would reveal a bit more of the Vernal fall. I can tell you no matter how hard that step was, the view was worth it.
A few more steps and here is the pond at the bottom of the fall and a happy hiker who knows it's gonna be a good picture :)
Consequence, by 8am we were at the starting point of the trail to reach first the Vernal fall and then the Nevada fall.
Happy Isles
After parking the car and making it food free (you know, let's not be bear careless) we walked to Happy Isles, and quickly got on the little island. Based on the map we could pass 3 bridges and get to the trail. Except bridge #3 was missing. We tried twice and when we came back at the center and checked the map again we realized that the line representing the bridge had been erased. Badly erased as half was still there, but erased. Facing the option to walk back all the way down to the next bridge, we decided given the little water in the river to cross. After all those rocks must be used every now and then.
A few clumsy steps later we were on the other side. We quickly climbed up the hill through the bush and made it to the trail. People walking the trail at that moment must have wondered where the hell we were coming from, just appearing out of nowhere.
Later we would go down on the John Muir trail. 11-12km loop for the day. Easy! at least we hope.
Note for myself: use Tv mode, changing time of exposure and have the camera perfectly still!
Up: usual P mode / Down: Tv mode
Practising....
Slowly (because of the many stops for pictures) we're making our way to the fall. 
At this stage, each step further up would reveal a bit more of the Vernal fall. I can tell you no matter how hard that step was, the view was worth it.
If it wasn't was for the temperature (cold) I would have enjoyed taking a swim up here.
Before going up with the climbing to the top of the fall (i.e. the most strenuous part of this trail so far) we stopped for a photo.
I know it looks like we're standing in front of a poster, but we WERE REALLY there.
We climbed further up and reached the top of the water fall. Despite I could barely breathe in the last meters (damn my effort asthma), once at the top and on the edge the view was fantastic and I really enjoyed seeing the water falling from the cliff, from atop.
After a bit of rest it was time to go on. Next stop: Nevada Fall.
Wildlife in Yosemite
On top of 10 thousands squirrels, we were lucky enough to see Steller Jay birds
Great opportunity to play around with the zoom lens and get a good shot at those birds
We also saw on 3 different occasions deers( twice a doe and fawn). Those are still afraid by people and quickly run away as soon as you make a sound. Still for the city guys that we are it’s always nice to see a deer passing in front of you.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Housekeeping camp
Accommodation within Yosemite Valley is limited (once again the sooner you know you’re going to Yosemite the better, i.e. the more choices of accommodation you will have).
3 types of accommodation are available:
- Lodges i.e. hotel with hard walls
- Campgrounds, for those who want to camp
- Cabins, some kind of a permanent tent.
For the days we wanted to go to Yosemite, all the lodges where full. Even if there would have been availability I’m not sure we could have afforded them (200$/night... that's not a bargain). We were left with camping or cabins. If you know us a tiny little bit you would know that we are not campers. Like my sister likes to say, “The place should have at least a plug for the hairdryer”. This left us with the cabins:
"These camping units, located in the interior of the camp, offer one double bed with two single bunk beds, interior shelving for storage, interior and exterior lighting and electrical outlets, covered patio, picnic table, fire pit, and two bear-proof storage lockers. Bedding is not included but can be rented if you were unable to bring it with you. Units are prepared for your arrival with a light sweeping and dusting as well as removal of any trash left over by the previous occupants. No daily maid service. Use of the shared restrooms and central shower area is also included. Bedpacks may be rented for $2.50 per night, and include 2 sheets, 2 blankets, and 2 pillows"
Guide du Routard described these cabins as “basic” but they are cheap especially if you choose a non river one (50$ vs. 100$ a night).
What can I tell you, permanent tent is better than full scale camping. Housekeeping camp it is.
That’s what a cabin looks like.
A cabin is meant to hold up to 4 people. It’s a wooden structure covered with plastic cover. There is a double bed and 2 bunk beds. After cleaning the mattress of the double bed we opened the bed pack and made the bed. We used the other 2 beds for storage.
There are also a couple of shelves should you want to put anything in there, a mirror, a lamp and a power plug (minimum requirement, right). A plastic “bache” plays the role of a door.
No heating. Common bathroom are located a bit further away (very clean to be fair). Common showers are located at the entrance of the camp.
In front of the cabin there is a table and more storage space.
Basic? No kidding.
Now I need you to imagine the scene. Wolfram and I arriving at the camp with our trolleys, rented bed packs and borrowed sleeping bags. Clearly unprepared for this. While all our belongings for this trip were nicely fitted into 2 trolleys and a couple of plastic bags, most people come to the housekeeping camp with their whole house. People bring food so they can make fire on the fireplace provided (only allowed from 5pm till 10pm). We did bring some cookies and cereal bars for snacks, in our defense, but that was it.
People literally empty their fully loaded car with all they needs for their stay: food, cooking utensils, toys for the kids, bicycles, TV even, BBQ. Like Bernhard said: “they pack their kitchen and living-room”.
Seriously impressive. For me camping or any variation of it is about going back to basic and not bothering with all the unnecessary. Seems in the US it’s another story.
Our “little nest” settled and food stored away, we took the car to the Curry Village for dinner. As unprepared as we were compare to the others, we quickly found the pizza place and ordered a pizza, which turned out surprisingly good. Seems there is a secret recipe for the tomato sauce.
Stomach full we headed back to our cabin and quickly went to bed as it was getting cold, there is nothing to do at night (especially if you didn’t bring and TV or games) and anyhow quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am.
3 types of accommodation are available:
- Lodges i.e. hotel with hard walls
- Campgrounds, for those who want to camp
- Cabins, some kind of a permanent tent.
For the days we wanted to go to Yosemite, all the lodges where full. Even if there would have been availability I’m not sure we could have afforded them (200$/night... that's not a bargain). We were left with camping or cabins. If you know us a tiny little bit you would know that we are not campers. Like my sister likes to say, “The place should have at least a plug for the hairdryer”. This left us with the cabins:
"These camping units, located in the interior of the camp, offer one double bed with two single bunk beds, interior shelving for storage, interior and exterior lighting and electrical outlets, covered patio, picnic table, fire pit, and two bear-proof storage lockers. Bedding is not included but can be rented if you were unable to bring it with you. Units are prepared for your arrival with a light sweeping and dusting as well as removal of any trash left over by the previous occupants. No daily maid service. Use of the shared restrooms and central shower area is also included. Bedpacks may be rented for $2.50 per night, and include 2 sheets, 2 blankets, and 2 pillows"
Guide du Routard described these cabins as “basic” but they are cheap especially if you choose a non river one (50$ vs. 100$ a night).
What can I tell you, permanent tent is better than full scale camping. Housekeeping camp it is.
That’s what a cabin looks like.
There are also a couple of shelves should you want to put anything in there, a mirror, a lamp and a power plug (minimum requirement, right). A plastic “bache” plays the role of a door.
No heating. Common bathroom are located a bit further away (very clean to be fair). Common showers are located at the entrance of the camp.
Now I need you to imagine the scene. Wolfram and I arriving at the camp with our trolleys, rented bed packs and borrowed sleeping bags. Clearly unprepared for this. While all our belongings for this trip were nicely fitted into 2 trolleys and a couple of plastic bags, most people come to the housekeeping camp with their whole house. People bring food so they can make fire on the fireplace provided (only allowed from 5pm till 10pm). We did bring some cookies and cereal bars for snacks, in our defense, but that was it.
Seriously impressive. For me camping or any variation of it is about going back to basic and not bothering with all the unnecessary. Seems in the US it’s another story.
Our “little nest” settled and food stored away, we took the car to the Curry Village for dinner. As unprepared as we were compare to the others, we quickly found the pizza place and ordered a pizza, which turned out surprisingly good. Seems there is a secret recipe for the tomato sauce.
Stomach full we headed back to our cabin and quickly went to bed as it was getting cold, there is nothing to do at night (especially if you didn’t bring and TV or games) and anyhow quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am.
Yosemite – Half-Dome
Half-Dome (2693m) is a granite monolith that got cut in half (thanks to plate tectonics).
The least I can say is that it is a huge block of granite standing right there in front of you, looking like it’s been chopped off a significant part.
The least I can say is that it is a huge block of granite standing right there in front of you, looking like it’s been chopped off a significant part.
Yosemite Falls
Unfortunately for us the Yosemite Falls were dry :(
Fall is not the best season to see the Yosemite Falls. We did walk the short trail to the lower one but saw only rocks. We can only guess where the water usually runs by the black spots.
With no water in the falls we decided it was not worth taking the trail all the way up to the Upper Fall. If we have to see only rocks, might as well be at ground level. It’s a pity as these falls are supposed to be the highest in the US. I guess this means we’ll have to come back during the spring.
Fall is not the best season to see the Yosemite Falls. We did walk the short trail to the lower one but saw only rocks. We can only guess where the water usually runs by the black spots.
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