Waterfalls

May 2, 2014
Total distance:  3.3 miles

Many dogwood trees were in bloom in Yosemite National Park, and the waterfalls were at their peak for the season.  Chris and I, along with lots of other visitors, spent the afternoon in the valley taking in the sights.

Walking up the path to Bridalveil Fall, we heard the repeated crash of water.  This waterfall is known for the mist that is carried on the breeze resembling a bridal veil.

It is common to run into friends unexpectedly in the valley, especially on a day as beautiful as this.  “Hello,” said Mike and Ursula who approached us as we walked back to the car.  We stopped and chatted for a moment then continued on our separate ways.

On the way to the historic Yosemite Chapel, we caught a quick glimpse of Sentinel Falls that cascades nearly two thousand feet.

Inside the chapel we kneeled and said a prayer of thanksgiving.  Outside was a stunning view of Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world.

At LeConte Memorial Lodge we spoke with two Sierra Club docents.  The original lodge was constructed in 1903 and was moved to its current location in 1919.

The walls were rebuilt using rock gathered from the nearby town of Raymond.  The roof is original, built over a hundred years ago.

We strolled through a shady path of the fen and spotted a large trout in the clear water.

We saw and heard the intense strength of the Merced River while crossing the Happy Isles Bridge.

Climbing the paved and crowded trail to the Vernal Fall bridge, we saw Yosemite Falls and Illilouette Fall in all their glory.

At the bridge, we had to wait our turn to get the best possible photo of Vernal Fall since we were not climbing the Mist Trail for a better view.  The fall was much fuller this time than when Andrew and I were here last November. (If you haven’t read this post, be sure to click the link because there are some amazing photos there.)

It was past noon and Chris and I were hungry so we quickly descended the steep trail and headed to Curry Village for pizza.

After lunch, the final stop was to the lowest tier of Cascade Falls where it plunged into Cascade Creek on its way to the Merced River.

We stepped through the sand and scrambled over several large boulders to reach a secluded spot.

Perched on the smooth granite rocks next to the roaring river, we reveled in its sound, so loud and powerful.

“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42:7

There are many waterfalls throughout Yosemite National Park.  During our brief afternoon outing in the valley, we were blessed to have spotted six of them.