Yosemite Super Melt, May 2017
View of Vernal Falls from Clark Point
A trip to Yosemite in May just wouldn't be complete without a hike up the Mist Trail to fully experience Vernal Falls. Yup, we got soaked.
Short Video (55 secs) of Vernal Falls, Emerald Pool and Silver Apron
(you may need to wait a few seconds for the video to load)
Take a ride over the top of the falls (humor me and check it out - I stood in line for quite a while to get to the perfect corner guardrail where I could film this), and see a very turbulent Emerald Pool and wild Silver Apron.
Merced River in Flood
The Merced River was nearly at flood stage at the Pohono Bridge and low-lying meadow areas around the river had become beautiful reflecting pools.
Yosemite Falls Reflection in the Merced River?
Can you see all three sections of Yosemite Falls?
Duck Swimming in Flooded Meadow
One more flooded meadow shot - I was mesmerized by the reflection of the trees in the water.
Hetch Hetchy Valley: Wapama Falls Warning Sign
After several recent backpacking trips in the Hetch Hetchy area, we wanted to see Wapama Falls in full spring melt and we were treated to quite a show. This warning sign at the beginning of the trail gave us a hint of what we might see - watch the video in the next slide to see what it was like.
Short video (42 secs) of Wild Wapama Falls
(you may need to wait a few seconds for the video to load)
OK! Now we understand why that warning sign was posted at the beginning of the trail.
Dogwoods in Bloom
Another one of my favorite things about going to Yosemite in May - seeing all of the dogwoods in bloom. We were there a little late in their blooming cycle so many of the petals had brown spots on them - wabi-sabi beauty.
Short video (34 secs) of Mama Bear and Cubs
(you may need to wait a few seconds for the video to load)
While driving along Highway 120, we came across dozens of cars parked along the side of the road and people gathered in groups. At first we didn't understand what was going on and then we saw a mama bear and her cubs grazing in the sunny meadow near the road. Our tourist instincts took over and we joined the crowd. At first the bears seemed unbothered by these curious humans but towards the end you can see the cubs appear agitated by the crowd noise (including someone's car alarm going off).