I posted a photo of the fire on the last post on Sunday, as an update. Have a look at it, it really is quite amazing. The wifi is very slow here, so the photos aren’t uploading. Also, for some reason, I can’t reply to your posts, so please don’t think I’m being rude. It’s great to read your messages. Liz said thanks for your last message, Kat!
We were up early again this morning, and took the Eco shuttle bus to the furthest point of the valley as we wanted to do a steady walk along the river. For some reason, we took the wrong path and ended up on what the walk guide calls a “strenuous” walk, up the Mist trail up to Vernal Falls, which is a 3 mile round trip with a gradient of up to 45 degrees. My knees are totally pooped! There was not much water coming over the falls but you can still see the trickle.
The weather is not so good today. The smoke from the fire has caused big clouds to form, and it’s been trying to rain. Actually, when we were climbing 1,000 feet at a 45 degree angle, it was very pleasant! It had to keep stopping to admire the scenery, and hope my pounding heart would keep going for a while longer. It’s a good job we went early, as even at this time of the year the park is heaving with tour buses.
What we did see was three teams of firefighters, who had to negotiate this very strenuous trek in full gear, before their job even started. All power to their elbows.
After coming back down to the valley floor, we decided to walk to Mirror Lake, which is apparently renowned for its reflections of The Half Dome. Typically, since there’s a drought, it’s currently a nice sandy beach, so no photo opportunities.
We were back from our 3 1/2 hour trek by 12 and had a quick bowl of soup and a beer, or two. We are now resting up before going out later to the Indian village to see what that has to offer
More later xx
The photos are superb Lesley, particularly the one of the firefighters. Shame it is so dry but, even without the falls, it looks impressive. Am much enjoying reading you exploits.
Sounds like you worked off a glass of wine or two 🙂 the photos look lovely!! Looking forward to hearing about the Indian Village. We’re all ok here. Lady is eating well and bothering us for toast every morning as usual 🙂
Lots of love
xxx
The Indian village was an overpriced gift shop with little pictures at $120!
That photo of the firefighters is amazing. Well done x
I was quite pleased with that. The poor devils were loaded up with their gear, chain saws, digging tools, and full protective clothing. They were dripping all over the path all the way up, and them they had to fight the fires. The helicopters were coming in with their water bombs in battalions over several hours. Hope they all managed to get down in one piece
Great photos x