The Big Trip: Day 17

Up at 6:00 AM for an hour drive to the Taft Point area. We hiked through the forested area, which was really neat and birdy. I heard loud drumming and located Williamson's Sapsucker, which is not a life bird, but a bird that I've only seen a couple of times. The best part was at the end of the hike through the woods when we hiked up to the very high overlook - Taft Point! I felt like I was at the top of the world! It was an amazing feeling and scary too. The scene was beautiful. We were the only ones there for awhile and that made it even more special. We were there for more than two hours and the 2.5 mile hike was not easy especially on the way back.

Later we stopped for a picnic. Afterwards as we were driving I saw another mother bear with her cubs. We watched them for awhile and I got good photos. Those cubs were so fun watch and they were so cute.

11:20-12:50 We hiked McGurk Meadows, which was another 2.5 mile hike with the way back to the car going uphill again. We are getting a workout in the mountains, but we love exploring new places! On that hike we saw a Yellow-bellied Marmot. He was a character and very curious. Apparently Brad can speak marmot because he had it's attention when he would whistle. There were some pretty wild flowers in the meadow and Brad got a beautiful butterfly photo, which I think was a Buckeye.

At 2:00 we were headed to another hike on the El Portal Road, but they weren't letting anybody go through due to a big rock slide. I'm glad it didn't happen while we were there!

Then we stopped for the official snack of Team V. We had John Morrell Braunschweiger, Kraft cheese in a can and Club Crackers. It is tasty!

Next we hiked up to the Bridal Veil Falls to get a closer look. It was pretty, but the water flow is slowing down. It is a hot day in the 90s.

Later we went to the Yosemite store to get a few supplies and to Curry Village to shower and then back to the campground. It's been a busy day!