“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream…”
~C.S. Lewis
High Trail above Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows
22.5 miles
Ansel Adams Wilderness is a land of running water, beautiful lakes, dramatic mountains, and gentle terrain. With each step toward Tuolumne Meadows there is something new to discover and stand amazed.
I decided to hike the remaining miles into Tuolumne Meadows (big day), camp in the backpackers camping area, and try to get a permit to climb Half Dome and finish my hike in Yosemite Valley. What I didn’t anticipate was the extreme downhill from Donahue Pass! It is a knee and leg killer. Also the steps are really close together and slick from years of use. I slipped twice right on my …..
After the dramatic descent the trail is flat for miles and follows the Tuolumne River through meadows teamed with deer, snakes (I almost stepped on three) and fish. I made good time and got to the campground about 6:30 pm. There were no sites available. I walked around until Steven, a very nice young man with a big, dark beard offered to share his site. Sweet! I was able to get to the Tuolumne Meadows Store before it closed and wolfed down an apple, chips, and a Toll House Ice Cream Cookie. It turns out Steven was a wealth of information that I sure needed about getting permits, technology, and buses.
I finished the night with a campfire presentation on global warming, fossil fuels, and what can be done. It was geared for kids, interactive, and interesting. It made me really start thinking. I would like to volunteer someday and be that presenter. I am pretty excited about the prospects.
Rockin’, wow! Some beautiful places you’ve been. With all your experience you’d be a great presenter. It looks like part of your calling and you are being prepared for it one step at a time.
You are right, that would be so cool. Something to aspire to in the future. Yes…beautiful places I am thankful for.
Sorry I missed you. I love Tuolumne Meadows.
Oh man…you are so right. Just missed you by one day. Your backyard is one gorgeous place. So great you are out there enjoying it.