November 3, 2012
Mono Meadow Trail, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 3.5 miles
“Every day is a winding road; I get a little bit closer,” sang Sheryl Crow as I maneuvered the car around Yosemite’s curvy roads. I was meeting up again with Michele and Eli to hike along the Mono Meadow trail to Illilouette Creek, about four miles roundtrip. (Read about yesterday’s hike with Michele and Eli here.)
The morning was chilly as we began our descent through the lofty fir trees. The persistent pecking of a nutcracker resonated in the distance.
Last month’s storm left patches of icy snow that pressed the dormant grass flat in the meadow.
The sandy path meandered softly through the fire-scarred trees until we came upon a rise of granite boulders that provided an impromptu vantage point.
Perched atop the rocks, we beheld a sweeping panorama of the Clark Range, Mount Starr King, and Half Dome, different from yesterday’s view atop Sentinel Dome.
As we explored the area along the unremarkable trail, we discovered its simple beauty. We also made some interesting discoveries such as these perceived grinding holes near the Illilouette Creek.
We found the shape of this boulder humorous.
There was beauty in the swell of fungus that adorned a charred tree.
The neon green lichen radiated beauty.
We saw the beauty of the changing leaves.
Beauty resided in the patch of pinecones.
A notable discovery was the fallen tree that had been cut to clear the path. Someone had counted and marked the rings in pencil, indicating the tree dated back to 1890.
At the trail’s end, Michele, Eli, and I exchanged farewells, hopeful for another meeting soon. Until then, the memories of this serene and delightful day in paradise will remain with us.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 