Yosemite Part 9 - The Mist Trail (Nevada Falls)
This continues our journey on the mist trail. When I last left you, I was on top of Vernal Falls. It had been a cold, wet journey but I was now warm and had a full belly. Hike on soldier!
The trail from Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls is hard. There were many spots where you have to hike rock stairs and the constant stair stepping is rough on my legs. You would think that after hiking a lot my muscles would get more used to stairs, but they never do. I need stair training! And on this trail there's so much that's out in the hot sun. The heat just pounds down on the open rock surface. It's only 1.3 miles (or somewhere around there) but it felt longer. Of course I do love pushing myself like this.
Only this time I had to try not to feel weak. John never makes me feel bad for not being as strong or fast as him. I hike at my own pace because, while I enjoy the workout, I do want to enjoy my hiking. John tends to appreciate going at my pace so he can actually enjoy it too. He's said he may rush through certain parts if it weren't for me, and miss out. Well John's friend Kevin was with us and this guy has his own agenda. He was far ahead of us many times. And I felt like crap for not being able to keep up. Which is completely stupid. I'm not in terrible shape. I'm just not him. Not everyone has the same pace. But it's just one of those things. Hiking with someone who doesn't know you or doesn't really care is so much different.
Anyway...there's not much else to say about the hike to Nevada Falls. There's a spot on the way where you can see the falls and we got a little misted. But nothing near the power of Vernal Falls. From there, hot rock steps. And then...awesomeness!
Look at me...climbing on rocks...
And then...more hot rock steps to the top of the falls. Seriously my ass thanks you Mist Trail. And the view from the top of the trail was one of my favorites of the trip. I've probably said that a lot. But it's breathtaking. Kevin was far ahead of us but we met him at the top of the falls. took some pics, and a little break.
Rock for John to climb:
Mountains!
All that hard work and I'm still adorable. Yeah, I know it makes me sound stuck up, but I love this picture of me!
Falls going down.
This is what happened in my head:
"Dude, your girl is slow. I've been waiting here for 30 minutes." (or like 10, max)
"But she's great in bed. You loose! My girl rocks!"
Love. Love. Love!
Shot of the falls while laying on my belly on the bridge over the water.
Boobs!
Or, the back of Half dome + another rock.
So after you reach the top of Nevada Falls the trail divides into a few things. I think you can take one route up to the top of Half Dome. John and Kevin did that after I left. From the tales, I'm pretty glad we didn't attempt this. The top of Half Dome sounds scary! So many visitors that the rock is really smooth, which makes it slippery. And you have to take hold of a harrowing chain to climb up. John was even a bit freaked about falling to his death. Great views. Better seen with a rope attached to you!
So, we took the John Muir trail back down the mountain. This trail was covered in horse/donkey crap. And I really mean covered. It's one of the few trails for livestock but I would gladly put a few tax dollars towards a poop clearing man. Otherwise, the trail is a lot of downhill. Which the guys hated, but I loved. Which is apparently weird. Downhill is hard on your knees. And given my knee issues, you would think I would hate the downhill. It is a workout to go down steep grades like that without tumbling, but it's so much better than going up steep inclines! Guys (mainly Kevin) disagree. Are guys built that different or is it just me?!
The trail down did have some pretty great views itself.
Nevada Falls (we were just over there! at the top!)
Yosemite Falls (way across the Valley) from the John Muir Trail
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