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Taft Point
Wintertime in Yosemite at last! Time to dust off the snowshoes, bring out the snow shovel and find that 0° degree bag that you've had in storage. Well, I don't own a 0° degree bag but I was ready none the less. My first trip this winter was to be a re-try of an aborted Glacier Point trip. Tekapo had plans to go to Taft Point. I figured we could take an extra day and do both. We also invited Wind Walker to join us. He had recently received a new pair of snowshoes and was itching to try them out.
After spending the night at my house, the three of us took off for Badger Pass in Yosemite for three days of snowshoeing fun and adventure. The weather was great…only a slight chance of precipitation.
After securing or wilderness permit at Badger Pass, we were off. Since arriving later than planned we decided to head down the Glacier Point road for 2.5 miles and hike cross-country towards Taft Point and camp. The next morning head up to Sentinel Dome and over to Glacier Point and return to our camp. Sounds like a plan!
The Glacier Point road is groomed for winter travel so snowshoes weren't needed yet. It doesn't take long for the Yosemite backcountry to reveal itself.
We were so intent on our surroundings that we walked right by the post marking our exiting the road and entry into the backcountry. In the summer months there is a sign marking the trail, but in the wintertime the park service removes the sign. Now it's time for the snowshoes! Life is good… …That is until my camera quits working. Just my luck. Maybe the Lord is trying to tell me something by this. I am hard of hearing, but I'll try to listen. I stow the camera and focus on the outing. Could that be it? Tekapo and Wind Walker graciously let me use their photos for the remainder of this journal. -Thanks guys!
Coming out of the trees we are greeted by the open expanse that is McGurk Meadow.
With no trail or trail signs to guide us we stop several times to consult the maps and GPS. It's also an excuse just to stop and talk and to check out the views. We are all amazed at the varying temperature pockets. Several times we've come across warm air pockets amidst the cooler ambient air.
With no trail or trail signs to guide us we stop several times to consult the maps and GPS. It's also an excuse just to stop and talk and to check out the views. We are all amazed at the varying temperature pockets. Several times we've come across warm air pockets amidst the cooler ambient air.
Tekapo's navigational skills were right on the money. We found the bridge that we needed to cross Bridalveil Creek. We wouldn't want to try and cross this time of year without it.
We stopped here for a few moments to marvel in the beauty of this location. What lies ahead?
That is Yosemite Valley below and Mount Hoffman in the distance as viewed from our base camp for the next two days. According to the TOPO!® map there should be a triangular red flag around here someplace marking our spot. We don't see it but decide to stay anyway.
A very full Yosemite Falls.
We pitched our tents under the trees in a "wagon circle" to shield us from the elements and provide us a warm and comfortable place to converse and cook as the sun set.
The nice thing about snow camping is being able to bring food that would otherwise spoil. Tonight's menu is hamburgers. Tomorrow would be hot dogs. Can't forget the Pepsi to wash them down. Just be careful of Pepsi thieves in the backcountry!
After breakfast we took off to Taft Point and possibly Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point if the weather held out.
One of the Fissures at Taft Point.
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and Mount Hoffmann from the railing at Taft Point.
We are camped in the trees in the center of the picture at the top of the "V" in the rocks.
Cathedral Spires and the Church Tower looking down the western end of Yosemite Valley.
The red dot would be me. While I don't make it a habit of hanging my feet over a cliff that drops 2000', it was pretty safe and gives a scale of the surrounding rocks.
A much safer Hikin' Mike before we head back to camp. Storm clouds were starting to form now. Tekapo had called home to check in and get the latest weather information. There was definitely a storm coming our way. Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point would have to wait another day.
As the storm clouds engulfed us, the familiar took on a whole new personality.
<em>Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven."</em> ~Psalm 107:28-30
Shortly after making dinner the storm hit us. Thunder, lightning, 70 MPH wind, rain, sleet and snow. It was going to be a long night. After Wind Walker spoke to his wife Saturday night we found out about the Columbia Tragedy. A storm has us hit again.
We woke the next morning to high winds, clear skies and about an inch of new snow. Just enough snow to erase some of our tracks from two days ago. The news of yesterday wouldn't hit me until later that evening.
How fast these last three days have gone by. There's never enough time to do and see everything. Remember one thing; someday we will <em>all</em> run out of time. Be sure <em>YOU</em> are ready to leave. Until next time…
<em>"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."</em> ~Isaiah 40:26
Posted
February 25, 2022
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“Hikin Mike”
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