Peggy said to just write WOW and post pictures for today’s blog, but I thought we needed to write more than that. First off, our plan changed. (Surprise!) Last night we decided to shuttle to today’s planned stops. At our home shuttle stop, we were informed that the shuttle stops for our first 2 destinations were “temporarily closed” for construction. So we went back and got the car and drove off to Curry Village for breakfast. Even though it’s Monday, the parking lot was almost full. We got one of the few remaining spots at 9 a.m.

After breakfast we headed out for the 3+ mile walk to Mirror Lake. After a few wrong turns (adding another half mile) we found our way. Our perseverance was rewarded. Since the snow pack on the higher peaks is still melting, Tenaya Creek was moving very rapidly. Mirror Lake (the Ahwaneechee name is Ahwiyah) is actually a wide area or pool of the creek, and it is usually dry by late summer early fall. Mirror Lake is one of the 10 best spots to view Tisseyak or Half Dome. It’s made of quartz monzonite, and it’s shape makes it look like a dome cut in half. It has an elevation of 8,800 feet.

Following the trip to Mirror Lake, we headed to the Bridalveil Fall. Bridalveil Fall is 617 feet and unlike Yosemite Falls which can dry up during the summer season, flows all year long. In a strong wind, the water will fall sideways and in the dry season, it may evaporate before hitting the ground. It is truly one of the most beautiful water falls anywhere and we were so fortunate to be here at peak season.

There is much more to see and do here in Yosemite National Park. Sadly, there is not enough time to take it all in. So, after our hikes to Mirror Lake and Bridalveil Fall, we for a drink and a quiet rest of the day. We have been very lucky to see and do all that we have done here. Alas, we need to move on tomorrow.