Our snowshoeing trek took us almost 4 hours (3 h 57 m) to hike the 7.3 miles. We took lot of stops in between to take in the sights of this winter wonderland in the Sierra Nevada. Quite a workout to kick start the new year.
It was the first time in over a year that we finally went for a snowshoe hike. Work schedules and other commitments prevented us from doing what we really enjoy last winter.
We "planned" a late start at 10:00 a.m. The parking lot adjacent to the south entrance to the park was almost full. During this time of year, the road to Mariposa Grove is closed and you have to hike almost two miles to the grove.
The parking lot was covered in a sheet of ice from the re-freeze. The road to the grove was no better. We brought our Yaktrax and opted to wear them rather than our snowshoes to start hiking. I strapped my snowshoes to the back of my Osprey pack while my wife stuffed hers in her REI ultralight pack. Many hikers donned on their snowshoes. Others did not and opted for the "slip-and-slide."
Upon our arrival to the grove, it was time to put on our snowshoes and hit the trails. We did the Outer Loop and the snow was six to eight inches in some places. There were a few bare spots, but they were few and far between. Some of the trail had not been visited by human beings since the last snowfalls December 11, 12, and 29, 2009. Many "tourons" opt to stay near the parking lot in the grove. My wife and I prefer the isolation.
Upon our return to the parking lot after our hike, there was a mass of humanity as well as the private conveyances that brought them.
After removing our gear it was time to hook up with my BroIL and his fiancee at Lewis Creek Trail. Just as we were getting close the trailhead parking lot, my BroIL's truck was leaving the parking lot heading towards Oakhurst. I flashed my lights a couple of times to let him know who was behind him.
After following them into the holy city of Oakhurst, we stopped at Starbucks to have some caffeinated beverages while sitting outside. I opted for iced tea, while the others drank coffee. Iced tea? Hey, it's cold outside, so why not be cold inside. Homeostasis.
After chatting for a while it was time to go home and jump in the spa to refresh ourselves after a good, strenuous hike. Man, did the water feel really good.
What a day!
Have fun?
Had fun!
Some pictures of our Snow Trek...
Snow Queen.
I love that smile!
"Will ya hurry up and take that picture!"
In the land of giants.
Trailblazing.
The California Tunnel Tree. Everytime we see this tree, we grimace at the thought of how someone could do this to a magnificent living organism. The tree lives, but the damage is irreparable. Perhaps in a couple hundred years, the tunnel will close.
Grizzly Giant.
Grizzly Giant zoomed in.
Faithful Couple.
Two giant sequoias conjoined at the base.
My wife says my shirt and my pack clash. Hey! Warm colors!
Don't hurt your neck, wifey-pooh!
A living memorial to Stephen Tyng Mather, the first director of the National Park Service.
Photogenic.
Ahhhh...the Gr8 Yd Opn.
What will be the name of this tree 2,000 years from now? What will the world be like?
Volunteer work...
Chipping the ice off the steps.
Wherever I may roam...
