Fabulous Glacier Point

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May 16th 2012

Published: May 18th 2012

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OffOurRocker

Half Dome and beyond

from Washburn

There was a nice man at the next campsite, Mark was his name. He suggested we drive up to Glacier Point. He said the view of the valley and beyond was worth the drive up. He personally had been there numerous times, either driving or hiking. You know which mode we chose.

So after breakfast we climbed in the van (Milo, too) and headed for Glacier Point Road. We drove past the village, past the Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Bridalveil. The road up was winding, a little steep in spots, but a beautiful drive, 16 miles from the main road up to Glacier Point. Almost at the top was Washburn Overlook. We pulled in and were awed by the views of the surrounding mountains. Here was Half Dome, almost at eye level. There were Nevada and Vernal Falls, which we had not seen before. What a view of the Royal Arches in all their glory.

We drove on up to Glacier Point, with a slightly different perspective. From the point you can look right down into the valley. You can spot the Merced River, the campgrounds, Curry Village, and of course the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. I

Still snow on the mountains

view from Washburn Overlook, near Glacier Point

was about walked out, so Kerry and Bob went on up to the highest point and took pictures, while Gena, Milo and I enjoyed the shade under the trees.

On the way back down the valley, we again stopped to view El Capitan and see if we could spot yesterday’s climbers. We saw 4 climbers, no way of knowing if they were any of those we saw yesterday, but they were higher and on a different part of the rock face.

Once back at camp, Bob and I decided to ride the shuttle into the village and see the movie about the park at the Visitor Center. The photography was magnificent, but Bob was put off by the narrative, and we both kept dozing off. So we dropped some cards to be mailed at the post office and went back to camp for supper.

This is one of the most beautiful parks we’ve visited. It definitely has a spot in our top 5. If you get the chance to go, don’t miss it. If you’ve been there before, you know what I mean.

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