Tuolumne Meadows–Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, created in 1890, is one of the oldest nature preserves in the United States. A wonderland of geological formations and biological diversity, the park spans nearly 1,200 square miles (Israel is only 8000 square miles) on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range in central eastern California. More than 3 million visitors each year flock to see Yosemite’s grandeur. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

As we are located in Lee Vining at the East entry to the park we decided to explore Tuolumne Meadows area especially that we hiked and visited the Valley area years ago.

There is so much to see along Tioga road but we have “only “ few days to explore the place,so today we drove to the Tuolumne Meadows tourist information and chose to hike to Gaylor’s alpine Lakes .

The first Mile is straight up hill and as we gained altitude it got colder and colder ,weather that we were not used to till now,to feel good up there we needed ear covers,wind jacket and gloves –all this we did not have, so we spent only an hour on the top.

 

Usually our hiking part of the day ends around 5PM but today we were of the mountain because of the cold weather early so we still had some time on our hands , the only hike to take and not freeze was at the low level  around the Tuolumne Meadows.

This great hike is along Lyell Fork and runs 8 miles till the end of the canyon, we did a small part today and will come back tomorrow to continue exploring this canyon.

As we were sitting on the rocks enjoying the sights and warming in the blessed sun we spotted an Osprey “posing” just above us.

It did not drop on us…thank you.

The spot we were is a crossroads to many hikes to the wilderness were it is possible to camp for few days near lakes ,streams or mountains after receiving a permit from the rangers office.

This crossroads supplied us with some unusual travelers,some used animals to carry their supplies to or from the wilderness camping spots.

 

We are spoiled and enjoy camping in our 5W trailer

Saddlebag Lake CA loop Hike

As a hiker and a water lover I mostly chose hikes related to water ,lakes,waterfalls,rivers and cascades also count,today my choice was The Saddlebag Lake Loop,trail head just before the East Yosemite entrance on Hwy 120, and related to water it was,8 lakes,glacier,waterfall and cascades all in a 5 mile fantastic hike.

Simply known as "The Loop Trail," Saddlebag Loop Trail" is probably the easiest loop trail I have seen in the Sierras. Although it has a respectable six mile length, the amount of the elevation gain and loss does not exceed a few hundred feet. This trail attracts nature lovers of all ages from small children to folks well into their retirement. The views of North Peak and Mount Conness dominate the entire hike. You also pass by Excelsior Mountain and Saddlebag Crest. The elevation of the loop stays at over 10,000 feet for its entire length and passes by several high altitude lakes and streams.

The trailhead for the loop trail starts on the opposite side of Saddlebag Lake from the parking lot. You have the option to walk around the lake to get to the trailhead. This walk is tedious and not very interesting. The second way and much more fun is to take the water taxi that operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. From the water taxi dock you will see two trailheads.

We started with our light coats on by very soon there were hanging on our back bags.

The trail was very moderate except some rough parts needed to take to see Lundy Canyon and Falls.

All along the trail we experienced stunning vistas that took our breath away , I must have been repeating myself since started to hike the Sierra Nevada but this loop sure goes into my 3 best ones- it is a WOW hike.

  

These are some “samples” from the views we saw on this trail,it was difficult to chose which photo to post from the 75 shots I took but I am sure you got the idea, some time in one glance we could see a glacier,lake,falls,mountain and green trees…I had to stand for 10 minutes only to take this all in.

Seeing this picture (down) I saw in my imagination a pirate boat sailing silently into the lake and expected Johnny Deff to pup out of it , I suppose I was day dreaming from the fresh air,the atmosphere and the OUTSTANDING nature.

I have no idea how to chose my next hike, it seems that it would be difficult to top this one.

Our traditional picnic on the beach with Ruth and Rod was a perfect way to end this great day.

Mammoth Lakes CA–Hikes

Mammoth Lakes California is a very beautiful town along Why 395 East of the Sierra Nevada, it is divided into 3 sections:the town,lakes area and the wilderness East of town.

There is a shuttle bus that takes you to the hiking area in the wilderness, but if you come before 7AM it is possible to enter the area with your own vehicle,which of course saves time and there is no need to wait for the shuttle that comes every half an hour.

So 5AM was our wakeup call (unusual) to be able to be at the gate before 7AM and beat the crowd that comes with the shuttle.

It was perfect timing , we were all alone watching the sun rise at the Devils Pastille which is an interesting creation made by Lava &

fire

 

 

It reminded me the Devils Tower in North Wyoming .

Then we took a 1.5 mile hike one way towards the rainbow falls (the only water fall in the area due to the draught),it is a very steep trail to the bottom but worth every step.

Through the whole hike we could see the trees and the wilderness around us, it was so quite and peaceful and all looked as a movie set.

 

We managed to get down just before we were hit with a wave of visitors but could not avoid this beautiful women group from S.Korea

It was only around 9AM and we already did so much so we headed towards the Lake area, a paradise  of water bodies all around the town,small motes,room to rent, camp grounds,bridges,hikes and great views, one can spend month here.

It sure will be full during the Labour Day, se we are out of here to hike in Yosemite and other remote great places.