2nd October 2009
A day for superlative views. This morning we headed out to Glacier Point which afforded us stupendous views of Yosemite Valley, putting us almost level with Half Dome, 3000 foot above the valley and about 7000 foot above sea level. We even managed to pick out some of the people who had hiked the 17 mile round trip to Half Dome.
After a bite of lunch at Degnan’s Deli, we headed out on a walk of our own. We hiked the 3 mile round trip to the top of Vernal Falls, one of the few waterfalls which still has water dribbling through it at this time of year. It may only have been a three mile walk, but it went up 1000 feet using about 600 granite steps. A fair old climb, but so worth it when we got to the top. From the top of the falls we were able to see back to Glacier Point where we had been that morning.
We were also lucky enough to see more deer and a stag relaxing in a meadow whilst we were on the shuttle bus back to the car.
Back at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Resort (in the loosest sense of the term) we treated ourselves to a lovely meal at the Resort Cafe, about which we had heard fantastic reports. Armed with a bottle of Ravenswood Zinfandel from the Yosemite Store we enjoyed a Greek salad and chicken with wild rice and were certainly not disappointed. Great food at a great price with only a $5 corkage charge for BYO - a perfect Friday night.