Mist, Magic, and the Roar of the Falls, Yosemite National Park, CA (Part 2)

Another early morning. By 5:20, I am on the road. This time, I have only an hour's drive to Yosemite Valley. My first hike today is the Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail.

By 6:15, I arrive at the Curry Village parking lot. It is the closest parking area to the trailhead, about a mile away. I hope to find a shaded corner to park, but as I pull in, I realize I had better take whatever spot I can find. By 7:00, good luck finding anything.

From AllTrails, I know this hike is considered hard, so I make sure to eat a good breakfast. Usually, I have plain Chobani Greek yogurt, but this morning I enjoy an extra-large scoop. I also make myself a turkey and avocado sandwich and set off.

It is only 7:45, and already the crowd feels unbearable, like a line of ants. I feel myself getting quiet, retreating into my own cocoon.

The trail begins with a steady uphill climb. As I approach the Mist Trail, I cover my backpack and put my phone in a ziplock bag. I know I will be drenched with water and I look forward to it. It is already hot. It feels so good! It is amazing to feel the power of Vernal Fall so closely. The climb is tough. I take one step at a time. I have all day ahead of me.

How wonderful! Another rainbow is showing me the way.

The hike is harder than I expected. The stone steps seem made for tall people, and the few shaded spots are hard to come by. The constant crowd is overwhelming. I crave my quiet intimacy with nature. Thankfully, when I reach Nevada Falls, the roaring sound of the water muffles all other noise. I stand still, mesmerized by the magic of the flow.

I fell twice on the descent through the John Muir Trail. It is steep and slippery. I stop often, lifting my eyes from the ground to soak in the stunning views all around me.

According to AllTrails, this hike is 6.4 miles long with 2,208 feet of elevation gain, taking approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes. My stats: 11.13 miles (including the 2-mile walk to and from the parking lot), 2,608 feet of elevation gain, and a total time of 7 hours and 19 minutes. I guess I am not your average person. :)

That is it for today—no more hikes. I am exhausted.

I am dying for a shower and desperately need to do laundry. So when I see a young park ranger, I ask with great hope, if there is any place nearby to take care of those two desperate missions.

The ranger suddenly seems to have a halo over her head. Her answer feels like an angel coming to my rescue.

Within walking distance, there are showers and laundry facilities at Housekeeping Campground. Hallelujah!!!

I feel rejuvenated. By the time I finish everything, it is already 6:30 and the day is winding down.

Still, the desire to see Lower Yosemite Falls gives me one last boost of energy—just like the falls themselves: full of power and beauty.

Tomorrow morning, I will head to Lake Tahoe. To my delight, Tioga Road just opened six days ago. Perfect. I get one more chance to experience Yosemite National Park.