January 8, 2017
Date of hike: October 1, 2016
Elizabeth Lake, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 7.2 miles
As I write this, water is purging, flooding, surging toward the lowlands. All roads into Yosemite Valley have been closed due to the year’s biggest storm.
Thinking of Yosemite, the last hike I did was this past autumn. The trailhead parking lot was closed, so Andrew and I walked from Tioga Road to the trailhead.
All of the concessions in the high country were shut down for the year and the crowds had dispersed. We had the trail to ourselves that chilly morning as we made our way to Elizabeth Lake.
Not a soul was in sight.
Even the animals were gone. No squirrels, no birds, no deer, no bugs to be seen. There was a strange stillness to the forest without them.
Equally strange was knowing that we were the only two people in the world at the lake at that time.
The wind howled down the mountain as we stood in the dormant meadow taking it all in.
Thinking back, that was a special trip with Andrew. Presently, it is raining, and the wind is blowing, typical January weather. Having been in a drought for so long, it seems strange to see the local creeks and ponds swollen with water. Little waterfalls have popped up in unexpected places. Nothing like Yosemite though.
On this blustery day, I did a quick review of last year’s goals to help with the setting of new ones. I walked over 630 miles on both trail and pavement last year. My goal this year is to increase that number. A fresh calendar hangs on our kitchen wall begging to be filled with things to do.
Sometime this year I will revisit two of my favorite lakes in Yosemite: Granite and Spillway Lakes. There are backpacking excursions to plan and a trip into Kings Canyon National Park to add to the calendar. There is the annual hike with Joseph in a couple of weeks, and another with Andrew later this year. Snowshoeing treks, wildflower walks, and camping trips have me excited and will eventually make their way onto the calendar.
As I anticipate the coming year, I pray that this storm does not do as much damage as in 1997. Then, Yosemite Valley was flooded and the park closed for two months. We will see how it all pans out.
Until next month…stay warm and dry.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
I look forward to seeing your pictures and reading your blog during the coming year. I really hope that one day you’ll be able to gather all these into one publication for all people to enjoy the beauty you’ve captured.
Dad
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🙂 Thanks, Dad.
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Soooo impressed with the mileage you put on your hiking shoes.
…these winter storms are a force to be dealt with this year.
Happy Hiking New Year to you Janet. 🙂
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Thank you, Ellen. I don’t want any damage to happen during the storms, but I sure do like them.
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I love your photograph of “Fall Colors at Elizabeth Lake” the best, although all your pictures are always so full of depth and color. Knowing you, you will accomplish your 2017 goals! Congrats on your 2016 successes! Happy travels.
Sheelah
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Thanks, Sheelah. I always appreciate your comments.
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Like you, I am surprised by the aftermath of all the rain–surging rivers and unexpected waterfalls, etc. I hope the damage stays minimal. Your goals are exciting–I hope YNP does not have to close for repairs, etc. Happy Trails! Happy New Year!
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Thanks, Patti. 🙂
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Over 630 miles of walking last year! Wow, that’s impressive! I look forward to learning how many you walk this year. You are indeed lucky to spend that time in one of the most gorgeous places on earth.
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Thanks, Carol. I think of you often when I’m there. Hope you are well.
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I hope that I can be a small part of you reaching your goals this year. Very small 🙂
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How about only on the overnights?
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I loved your photos this blog. You are getting,so good. A very admirable achievement this year. Kudos to you. I really hope to join you on a walk in 2017, maybe when you come visit in CCC. I’m up to 3-5 miles/hike slow as the tortoise goes 🙂
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There’s a hike that I found in CCC that I’d like to do. The trail doesn’t open until February. Maybe then. I’ll keep in touch, Cathy.
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Happy New Year! I look forward to following along on your hikes and seeing all of your beautiful pictures. We need the rain, but hope it isn’t damaging. Stay safe, dry and warm.
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Thanks, Terri. 🙂
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Great job! May this new year bring you much happiness, love and adventure, and happy trails too!!
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Thank you. Maybe you’ll come with me one of these days.
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630 miles, wow, nice work! I’m hoping to come see some snow in Yosemite this coming weekend if the weather cooperates. I look forward to seeing your 2017 pans out. Thanks for all the inspiring photos and words throughout the year!
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I hope you will post about your trip. I love to hear other people’s perspective of a place I love so much.
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I like the serenity of hiking during the off-season.
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What a great thing to do to set goals! That is something I don’t do but should to get me out more into the wilderness (or even more walks around the neighborhood).
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