More Domes to Climb and Inspiration to be Had

Our journey took us to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point today. Sentinel Dome was pretty much mostly right up the rock side to the summit for some epic views. Then we backtracked and headed over to Taft Point. That hike was more interesting as you walked through what looked like the perfect spot for fairies and Pan. There was even a bunch of hippy campers with one shirtless dude who had inserted moss and branches in his headband and ankles. 

Then we drove over to Glacier Point for lunch, refill water bottles, and to take in the sites. The parking lot is right near the overlook, so the place was fairly packed. And had an adventurous child who was climbing a little too close to the edge for our comfort. 

Then we backtracked to the Wawona Tunnel to start the hike to Inspiration Point. That was a STEEP switchback trail up 1,000 feet in elevation for some lovely views. Needless to say we were hungry after that day. We ended up at the Around the Horn Brewery for food and beverages to cap off a great visit to Yosemite.

The view from Sentinel Dome was insane.

Half Dome from Sentinal Dome.

The fairy forest we walked through to get to Taft Point. We saw no trolls, leprechauns, or fairies, but definitely would not be surprised if we did.

Taft Point had lots of areas that reminded you of your mortality.

This crack went all the way down and the rocks that have wedged themselves in it must be super strong to hold on that long. The gap is about the width of two people.

Another stunning view from Taft Point.

Glaciers just dropped these boulders where they wanted thousands of years ago.

Mother Trucker getting into the free solo spirit on Taft Point.

Another cool boulder just hanging out.

The view at the base of our inspiration point hike wasn't that bad.

Being inspired along the way.

Inspiration Point was a bit inspiring. Although for as much climbing the hike was, I think the Sentinel Dome hike gave more bang for your buck.

Joey our trail guide met us on the return to the parking lot.

 

Yosemite by Foot Today. Climbing Mountains and Wandering Around Lakes.

Our friend, Ben, joined us from San Fran to play in Yosemite today. We drove Tioga Road and hiked Lembert Dome and around Dog Lake. The hike was a bit intense and we needed to scramble up the rock face for the very last bit. Then it was off to Dog Lake where we hiked around it to see deer in the forest line nearby. We took in the sights on the drive back to the RV park and were stopped suddenly by a friendly mob of cows in the road. Dinner was delicious at the only Mexican restaurant for miles down in Groveland (outdoor seating, no crowds, and delightful food)!

The views are beyond scenic while driving Tioga Road to Toulumne Meadows.

Everything looks so Alpine!

This is what we climbed up!

A goodwill ambassador greeted us as we set out on the hike.

As we approached the last bit to get to the summit of Lembert Dome.

Mother Trucker doing his best Captain Morgan on the summit.

Dog Lake was pretty and easy to walk around. The deer were hiding on the other side, just in the tree line.

Toulumne Meadows was pretty and had lovely views of the mountains around.

Good Buddy had to a dip (just her feet) in Tenaya Lake. The water was a little chilly (around 70 degrees) but could have been much colder.

Mooove over cows! This is the road, not the Old Country Buffet.

Biking Through Yosemite

Today's journey brought us back to Yosemite to explore the Valley by bicycle. 

Our first stop was Mirror "Lake." It was more of a meadow than a lake since there was zero water around. But we walked into the middle of it and had some incredible 360 deg views of the valley.

Then we circled the Valley and found the Sierra Club's first visitor center for the park. After a brown bag lunch, we explored the Yosemite Cemetery near the Visitor Center. The center was closed (due to COVID), but they had a large section of a Sequoia on display that showed it was almost 1000 years old. 

When we got back to our RV, we took the Motley Crue on a long walk to the National Forest nearby. They got to see more wild turkeys and a buck bounding into the forest from us about 50 yards away.

More like Mirror Meadow!

View from Mirror Lake. Half Dome is above the rock.

Agnes was very curious until she realized we were not packing (food that is).

There is an interesting story behind this first visitor center to the park. To Good Buddy it looked like a church.

The cemetery was interesting to walk around.

This tree was 1,100 years old when it fell. WHOA! That is old.

Entering the National Forest on our dog walk... Nice to have a quiet walk in the woods. Good Buddy ended up picking up lots of litter off the road since our dog bags are oversized.

More Gobble-Gobbles on our walk. They were so sensitive. You just look at them and they'd run away.