Tim’s blatherings
Gull enjoying the view on Alcatraz
I’ve been to San Francisco before, but have previously missed out on some of the big tourist attractions. So I’m starting today with a trip to Alcatraz, which is actually a National Park. And, as I found out, it has a much more interesting history than just the prison and escape attempts that it’s famous for.
… with snow??!?
When I returned from the “Internet cafe” (actually sitting in my car outside the registration area, where the wifi access is) last night, it was fairly cloudy. When I went out to brush my teeth, it was perfectly clear. Later during the might, I heard some thunder, and I woke up to what I thought was light rain. But it turned out to be this:
Overnight snow on my cabin and car
The helpful ranger at the visitor centre suggested that driving to the end of the road down Kings Canyon would take 2 hours return, while the return trip to the end of Sequoia National Park would be 4 hours. Of course, if I wanted to stop at any of the dozen or so highlights then it would take much longer.
View from Glacier Point
As with previous trips to Yosemite, I always find it hard to leave. Have I bought enough tshirts and Ansel Adams books? Do I need another photo from Valley View or Tunnel View? I managed to tear myself away eventually, having taken the detour to Glacier Point first for the overall view of Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, and Vernal and Nevada Falls.
After the strain on my legs of hiking Half Dome yesterday, I wanted an easier day today. So my plan was to concentrate on what I hadn’t seen in Yosemite since 1984, that is, all the waterfalls, creeks and rivers flowing strongly with spring snowmelt.
I started writing about hiking Half Dome before I left, but didn’t get around to posting it. Here’s what I’d written:
One of the highlights of my 1996 trip to Yosemite was hiking to the top of Half Dome. I wasn’t planning on doing it again this time, until I saw these pictures of one family’s trip at around this time last year. I’ve been tempted now, so I think I should give it a try.
A few things have changed in 13 years; I’m probably not as fit, and I definitely weigh more, both of which will obviously make the hike harder.
May Lake and Mt Hoffman
I’m sitting here at May Lake, listening to the thunder nearby and hoping the rain stays away (not the least so it doesn’t get my iPhone (on which I’m typing this) wet). The road to the trailhead was closed, I started late, and hiking has been slowed by banks of snow to cross, so I’ve decided against attempting Mt Hoffman, which had been the plan.
The lake itself is just thawing, and while it’s overcast, it’s still a very pretty sight.
We’d like to apologise to all passengers for the delay in this blog reaching the next post. This is due to a network outage currently being experienced by the author. We expect the delay to last another 24 hours at most. Braindump apologises for the inconvenience.
(Yes, there is internet access in Yosemite, but only in the Yosemite Lodge lobby and the Ahwanee Hotel, both of which are a couple of miles from where I’m staying.)
Update (2009-06-04): Sorry, it took an extra day; the wireless at Grant Grove Village was on the fritz last night.
(Now that I have your attention…)
Scotty's Castle
Having seen my quota of sights in the southern part of Death Valley yesterday, today I headed north in the morning. The road north runs over a series of alluvial fans, and as a result, seems more like a rollercoaster than a road in places.
Most people think casinos and extravagent shows when they think of Las Vegas; however, I see it as a great place to begin a road trip. Three years ago I headed north to Utah (okay, via the Strip, where all the big casinos are), and returned via Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. This time I’m skipping the Strip and heading straight to Death Valley.