![]() |
|||
YOSEMITE PARK - YOSEMITE VALLEY My
only regret about this visit to the incomparable Yosemite is that this
year's drought dried up almost all running water, and there were no
waterfalls to grace the picture postcard shots one must take there.
The most breathtaking moments were spent watching two parties of climbers
on the face of El Capitan--up thousands of feet on the vertical rock
wall, tied together, and working backpacks of supplies on ropes to climbers
above. Even using my powerful binoculars, the climbers were mere specks
on the vast wall, and I could not see them at all without the binoculars.
Big snow was forecast for the weekend following our visit, though we
were comfortable in 68 degree weather when we were there. We assumed
the climbers would find a way to get to the summit before the snow,
but the thought of sleeping in a bag hanging 4000 feet above the rocks
below with snow on the way gave me nightmares. The luxurious Ahwahnee
Hotel ($350 - $700 per night, so we did not stay there) provided a lobby
with fireplace, glorious tapestries and furnishings to rest a moment
after our hikes around the valley.
Copyright© 2002 - Darrell Taylor |