Lower Yosemite Falls

Our last full day in Yosemite. The long drive south beckons tomorrow. After two quite outstanding and demanding days in the high wilderness we decided to explore more of the popular attractions of Yosemite valley.

We didn't restrict ourselves to the regular tourist spots; we could see the lines of cars and lines of people alongside their vehicles taking photographs of the iconic views.

A little effort is repaid many fold, giving views that those on the roadside miss. We hiked a short way along the Four Mile Trail, getting us off the valley floor and giving spectacular views of the whole of the Yosemite Falls, from top to bottom; views you can only see from this trail and nowhere else.

Similarly, after calling in to Yosemite Village it was a relief to get back on the trail for the easy hike to Mirror Lake along Tenaya Creek. Spectacular glimpses of the Royal Arches and Royal Arches Cascades and finally towering over Mirror Lake the impossible face of the Half Dome.

To complete the day, we called in at the Visitors Centre which gives a very good interpretation of the physical and cultural character of Yosemite and has a very good 3D model of the valley. There was just time to squeeze in a short walk to the Lower Yosemite Falls at the end of the day. Thunderingly spectacular as expected; and the subject of today's shot.

By then it was time for the winding journey back to Cabin 23 in Wawoma. A 24 mile trip ascending from 4000 feet to a summit of 6000 feet and back down to 4000 feet, which is the only drawback to staying in the far south of the park. Although today was supposed to be an easier day we walked further than on either of the other two days; just not so strenuous.