Anniversary # 18

This time we began our trip by backpacking in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. We started at the Glen Aulin trailhead and hiked about eight miles to Waterwheel Falls. The trail follows the Tuolumne river and for about 5 miles, there are waterfalls around every corner. It is so beautiful. We saw several other hikers during the first few miles on the way toward the Glen Aulin high sierra camp. People can hike in and camp in large tents and have food made for them there. That's not what we were looking for. Once we past the camp, the crowd thinned out and we were able to camp for the night all alone near a beautiful waterfall.

Getting ready for the trail.

All fresh and ready to start!

Hiking along having a good time :)

Normally at this time of year, this trail would have too much water on it, but since we're in a drought the trail was pretty dry. There was about a half mile section that was flooded. In one part the water was up to my knees! But we brought sandals and the weather was nice so it made the hike fun.

our camp

The view from our tent in the morning. This section of the park is called "the Grand Canyon of Yosemite". 

The sun rising over the mountain. 

Warming up after jumping in the icy cold river (Nate clocked in some serious sleep
on this trip).

 We only stayed one night in Tuolumne Meadows. We then headed down to Yosemite Valley. 

The View from our tent in the Valley.

We did a short, but pretty strenuous, hike up to Vernal Falls.

Vernal Falls

 After Yosemite, we went to Mammoth Lakes and put the 4x4 to use. We found this awesome dirt road that went up to over 10,000 feet with an amazing view!

On the way home, we did some more off road exploring in Bishop.