Across the country in 66 days: Out of shape

6/4/2018

We’re exhausted. I don’t even want to write tonight but I don’t want to forget the small things.

Last night was so much fun staying in town. It made this morning easier, and we were able to take a shower. We got up at 6, packed our bags and meals (it always takes longer than I think), made a PB and banana sandwich and hit the road for about an hour before we hit the park.

Taking over the parking lot to pack

This place is insane. The mountains are different than anything ever seen. Some of them just look like giant round rocks. We made it to the permit office, waited in line for about 45 minutes, and headed on our way. Of course one thing (or more) we didn’t think of: no food or smelly toiletry items can be kept in cars over night.

We had to throw away some really good cooler food, because we weren’t willing to put the cooler in a bear box where anyone could take it. We put all of our food, spices, extra toiletries, snacks, everything in a bear box at the visitor center.

After that craziness, we threw on the packs and headed to the trail. The beginning was really busy with day hikers, but it was beautiful so it makes sense everyone was there. We walked past Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, one of which soaked us with its mist.

Vernal Falls

Top of Nevada Falls

We didn’t stop walking up for the entire hike. Until maybe the last 2 miles. It was v rough, and both of our packs weighed 90 pounds.

Not actually but it felt that way at the end of the day. We took lots of breaks, and did take in all of the insane beauty of this park. I’ll add a bunch of pictures at the end. Tomorrow we pack up again and head to Little Yosemite Valley - tonight we’re near Illilouette Falls. It an easier home, and then we’re there for another full day.

We forged a river that was really hard to cross. It didn’t look difficult, but halfway through it was actually pushing us over. Fortunately there were plenty of sticks and two trekking poles as well that were left for this exact reason.