5 days camping and climbing in Strawberry, CA near Lake Tahoe and then back to Yosemite for 4 days.
For my climbing friends, Lake Tahoe is AMAZING. Definitely one of my favorite places to climb so far. The camping is cheap, secluded, and practically at the base of the climbs. A poor and lazy hikers dream come true. Viet and I climbed a few classic routes, checked out the lake, and spent some time in South Lake Tahoe. The trip started on a very high note due to magically running into my van-living camping partners from Red Rocks 2 months earlier, Carol and Becca, minutes upon arriving at the camp site. I was so happy to see familiar faces. They were unfortunately ending their stay as we were beginning ours, but we had one overlapping day. So wonderful how the Universe works!
We drove from Tahoe into the Eastern entrance of Yosemite, made a stop for a sunset dip in a hot spring, and then drove for hours in the dark on a longg winding road to arrive at Yosemite in the middle of the night, missing the scenery, but oh well.. we made it!
I was so preoccupied with the events involving Viet's big wall climb preparation, that I neglected to make any plans for myself! I woke up early to go get a spot at the standard valley walk-in camp site, Camp 4, for the rest of the weekend and the line was about 50 people long. A girl like me does not have time for that, so I immediately left to get a coffee : ) After two cups of coffee, 20 or so text messages, and 2 hours of people watching, I came up with a sort-of plan and headed to the wilderness center to find out more about getting a back country permit.
Some people plan months ahead for their half dome adventure, applying a year to 6 months prior for their hiking permit, or waiting in line all morning with nervous hopes of getting that precious piece of paper that allows you to by pass the ranger check station a half mile from the summit.
I casually showed up 20 minutes before permits were issued for the next day, wondering why there were a bunch of people sitting outside the office with lawn chairs, and left 45 minutes later with Half Dome permit in hand! I chose the half dome hike while standing in line with my free map of the valley (not the wilderness area, because that cost money) for the sole purpose of being able to camp at a designated backpackers camp located half way up..to avoid being alone with the bears of course.
...and 2 days later I arrived!
Yosemite is the perfect place to backpack alone for the first time, why?.. because you are never really alone. There are so many people, and on a long hike you run into the same groups over and over again. Many noticed I was by myself and were helpful and encouraging. The view was well worth the 8.5 mile hike to the top and sleeping in the woods by myself for 2 days..with the bears : )
 |
| Nevada Falls and Half Dome on Left. Hike up Day 1 |
 |
| Cables to Summit! |
 |
| Getting close to backpackers camp |
 |
| Mist Trail, 2 miles to the bottom! |
 |
| NOM NOM |
On a lower note, a climber in the group of hard core Yosemite climbers that I met and mentioned in a previous post (not pictured) passed away a few weeks ago due to a rock fall at the base of a Yosemite climb. Viet and I stopped by his memorial, held at Yosemite over Memorial Day weekend, where his friends and family gathered to celebrate his life. Just reminds us to keep exploring and living like there is no tomorrow...and hopefully we can all move on doing what we love to do.
Peace out girl scout!
Your picture are amazing! I enjoyed my time in Yosemite too when I have been there!
ReplyDeleteAgathe