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on the next screen to play music) We all drove to the valley in separate cars. June and I dropped off our car at Sentinel Beach so that it would be available when we got out of the river later that day. We rode our bikes the 3 miles or so to Curry Village where we met the McBrides. Its a bit challenging making plans because there is little or no cell coverage in the valley. But what a spectacular ride in the early morning!
From there, we rode a short half mile or so to the Vernal Falls trailhead where we planned to all hike the mile or so to the bridge. The trail is much steeper than I remember. We took turns carrying Emmy, but Wes shouldered most of the load. After a short break and pics from the bridge, June, Wes, Adrienne, Marielle, and myself continued up the Mist trail. It was a nice, uneventful hike.
After that, we rode back to the car, broke out our lunches, and ate at the Pizza deck in Curry village.
Then we took the maiden voyages in our new 5-person rafts that we bought online for $125 each. There is a raft rental on the river, but kids less than 50 lbs are not allowed, and Emmy is a heavy 35 lbs. Also, for the 2 hour trip down river, the company wants $30/ person. It would have cost our little party 8x$30=$240. And they sell out!
So, I brought a portable dolly to hoist the two rafts (50lbs each) about 200 yds to the put-in at Stoneman Bridge. We inflated the rafts, Lindsey walked the dolly and incidentals back to the car, and off we went. I don't know if there is a more scenic easy float down a river than down the Merced river through Yosemite Valley.
2.5 hours later, at Sentinel Beach, June drove Lindsey back up river to their car, and back down to Sentinel Beach. By then, Wes and I deflated the rafts and packed them up to the parking area. After we finished, we waited maybe 10 minutes for them to return.We loaded up and drove back to the cabin. A perfect day!
We decided to head back to the valley to do the things we missed. We drove both cars again to Curry Village and again we had no problem finding parking. From there, we rode about 2 miles to Mirror Lake, where we spent an hour or so throwing rocks and taking in the scenery.
Then June and I rode to the car to get the lunches for everyone while the McBrides rode to the Ahwannee Hotel, which Wes really wanted to check out. We both had problems finding the place, but we eventually met there and inspected the beautiful facilities.
From there, we rode to Yosemite Falls where we hiked up to the base of Lower Falls. After eating, Adrienne, Marielle, and myself went rock-hopping up towards the falls. Again, it was a nice, uneventful hike.
From there, we returned to Stoneman bridge where we challenged each other to get in the water. Eventually, June, Adrienne, and myself dove in the water off of a nearby rock, and that was about it. We left early and headed back to the cabin.
We all headed to Mariposa Grove in separate cars. We hiked the big loop, about 2.5 miles, again taking turns with Emmy. We left there and drove back to Wawonna where we ate our lunches on the lawn in front of the old hotel.
Then we went to the Wawonna Museum where we inspected the old buildings and the McBrides took a stagecoach ride. Then we drove another 2 miles down the road to a popular swimming hole where we again challenged each other to get in the water. Good fun. We went back to the town and bought ice cream, then headed back to the cabin.
After packing up, we drove down the hill towards the valley. After the tunnel, we hiked 1.3 miles up to old Inspiration Point. The big drama was Josette decided to show us all that she could walk fast, so she left us all behind and went to the top. We were afraid she was lost. We took turns laying into her when we finally found her sitting patiently at the top. After that, it was a rather uneventful walk down and ride home. Good Times!
on the next screen to play music)