Yosemite day #2: Mariposa grove, and Glacier Point

On Saturday, we had planned to drive to Mariposa grove and visit the beautiful trees there. An evening trip to Glacier point was also in the plans.

After breakfast, photos, and hanging out, we packed lunch for the day and headed out.

Wise to some of our mistakes from the previous day, we packed plenty of water and lunch in individual bags so that we could carry our food with us, and be more efficient in our adventures for the day

We drove to Mariposa, and parked in the welcome plaza. Shuttles that would normally take us to the grove and trail heads, were not running due to Covid19, so we had to hike 2 miles, along Washburn trail, just to get to the trees and trail heads.

Once we started walking along the Washburn trail (at around 11.15 AM), we realized that it would be hard going for the stroller. So Sudarshan and Archana made the call to make the hike along the roadway instead. A few hundred feet later, at the sign of the first incline upward, my Dad called it quits, and turned back to wait out the day at the welcome center. With no cell coverage, or ability to co-ordinate, We had struck a deal with Sud and Archana that we would both wait until 1pm, before turning back and heading back to the parked cars. Since the trail was only 2 miles one way, We both felt that 90 minutes should be plenty :)

The hike was not the most scenic, but we had good conversations and good company amongst each other. We took frequent breaks, since it was a really warm day of ~ 85 degrees. Some photos along the way were mandatory.

When we were nearly at the end, we were pleasantly surprised by Archana walking towards us, to escort us the last half mile or so. We stepped foot into the Grove Arrival area at the stroke of 1 pm :P.

Hungry and thirsty, our first order of business was lunch in the shade. After Lunch we took turns going on short walks into mariposa grove to enjoy the fallen monarch and see what we our tired party would allow.

The last time we visited, which was 10 years ago, and for Purni’s Birthday, we had made it all the way up to the top.

Satisfied, we started the walk back down, but this time all together as a group. We took the roadway back, which was much easier and covered the distance in almost no time.

We were glad to be all re-united and drove back home. Everyone was super tired from 4+ miles of hiking, and wanted to stay put at home to rest and relax. I, on the other hand, really wanted to see the view from Glacier point, especially at sunset, and planned a solo drive there (40 minutes one way) to try and time it to sunset.

I managed to make it with plenty of time to spare, and was blown away by the awe and grandeur of Yosemite valley and adjacent mountains. The views oNevada and Vernal falls were amazing, and the stormy clouds that kept gathering, made for quite the sight. Glad to have made the trip, I took a mental note to try and convince everyone else to make the trip here the next day, perhaps for a picnic dinner.