We don't have the best track record when it comes to camping in Yosemite, but a trip out there is a highlight that John and Laura have talked about since booking their stay with us. Could it be different this time?
The moment average temperatures reach those of an August day in England, Californians like to declare that winter has arrived. We found ourselves in the only working campground in the valley, with hardly anyone around and, with no snowfall yet, every trail and road open. We had the run of Yosemite to ourselves, shared only with the bears, squirrels, and chipmunks.
To be fair it was freezing at night, but we had two accomplished fire starters in John and Dan. On the first evening we enjoyed burgers, four bottles of wine, and port, which set us up nicely for a high-altitude walk the next day from Glacier Point.
The autumn colours were beautiful, the air was clear, we didn't see any bears. The eight-person tent comfortably held four (another nice upgrade) and, incredibly, it didn't rain once.
Packing for one night poses the usual challenges.
Autumn colours in the valley.
Fiona has a bear behind.
El Capitan. Or another big rock, not sure...
The mansion! Hannah and I had the west wing, John and Laura the east.
Preparing lunch. That's a brand new, state-of-the-art bear locker. It kept the bears out, but a sneaky squirrel managed to snaffle several chocolate chip cookies.
It's like the Serengeti!
Firestarter.
Let's begin with a cheeky little Riesling...
Sunday breakfast, Kiwi style: coffee and beer.
Ansel Adams should give up now.
On the way to Glacier Point.
Up on top. Don't jump - I'm sure that accounting project will get an A!
Dan celebrates reaching the top the only way he knows how.
A beer on Half Dome, breaking every known state drinking law.
Group hug/picture.
Precipitous. It felt a lot more scary than it looks.
Dan fills his bottle from the Upper Yosemite Falls.
It's an eleven second drop. We know this because Dan threw a log off and we timed it until the first camper below screamed.
Just a little more to your left...
Time for one more meal before the long drive home (five hours! Who made this country so big?)
