All Four Seasons One Day in Yosemite

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MooseTracks
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All Four Seasons One Day in Yosemite

Post by MooseTracks »

Well, it started off perfectly: hit the road around 7:30, caught up with Rick Kent (finally!) at the Grapevine Denny’s as we headed opposite directions. We sat there for 3 hours annoying our waitress but catching up on adventures. Apparently he’s the rappel god now, and convinced that he has more crap in his truck than I do. Gee, competitive much? Looks like we’ll get along just fine, thank you!

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It started snowing outside of Oakhurst as the TOF hit around 5K ft, and continued until descending into Wawona, then picking right back up again. As I crested Chinquapin and headed towards tunnel view, everything lightened up to reveal the clearing storm to the west along the Merced Canyon.

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I knew if I was to enjoy the snow I had to get my buns out of bed Saturday morning, so after an awesome dinner with mom and dad (grilled filet mignon wrapped in bacon, 3-bean salad, and baked potatoes from the campfire), I hit the sack in the TOF. The alarm was painful at 3, but I was rolling by 3:45. Looking up from the bridge over the Merced outside of Upper Pines CG, I switched off the headlamp to check out the stars. No moon, and every last twinkle was brilliant in the cold night air. I walked past North Pines and the stables, then switched the lamp back on. I scanned right, then left, then FROZE. Two bright green eyes looked back at me from near the ground about 50ft off. (No, Mike, it WASN’T a squirrel! And NO, I didn’t get a picture of it) For a moment, neither of us moved, and I couldn’t make out a body shape since the lamp-light didn’t extend that far. So instead of waiting for it to come towards me, I advanced a step or two, yelling, growling, slapping my poles together. It stood, took two steps away, then turned around and looked again. I kept yelling at it, trying to be as threatening as possible, and it finally skulked off.

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I almost turned back for the TOF and my warm sleeping bag. Then I almost hid in the crapper at Mirror “Lakeâ€
"Why do I climb? Quite simply because the mountains and I had to meet." - Colette Richard

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosepics621
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mountaineer
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Post by mountaineer »

That is amazing...to see that wide of a variety of conditions in one day. Great pictures and thanks for the TR.
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Trekker
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Post by Trekker »

Man, I miss Yosemite! Wish it wasn't such a drive from San Diego! Thanks for making me jealous, Moosie!!!!!! :( Great pics; I think I'd like to try some snowshoeing there this winter. That sure sounds like the way to end a hike; warm, and LOTS of food!!! :D
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ridgeline
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Post by ridgeline »

Looks like you had a great time, I'll bet your parents are very proud of you.
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madeintahoe
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Post by madeintahoe »

Laura I always enjoy reading your TR...awesome and fun reading :) ....Love the frosted snow leaf pics.
That arch is very cool, reminds me of the arches in Southern Utah.
Nice you had your parents there with you :nod:
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MooseTracks
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Post by MooseTracks »

Thanks everyone, for the kind comments. My parents have been going to the Valley for over 20 years now, as often as 4x/year for either camping or staying in the Lodge (At The Falls now. It sounds so hoity-toity!) Since I've been able to join them regularly the past few years, I've found it's one of the most special things I get to do with them.

We might have to skip our annual Easter pilgrimage this coming March/April, though, as my sister will be due with her first child. But I hear the Columbia Gorge is fantastic that time of year (she lives in Portland!).

-L :cool:
"Why do I climb? Quite simply because the mountains and I had to meet." - Colette Richard

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosepics621
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