Yup.
Friday, October 14, 2011 at 7:52PM 
Nevada Fall from the John Muir TrailSecond time's a charm. The weather cooperated beautifully as I left Upper Pines Campground at 6:00 a.m. (by headlamp and a full moon), hiked up to Vernal Fall footbridge, took the John Muir Trail up to the Panorama Trail, the Panorama Trail over Illouette Creek (and the outlook over Illouette Fall). Halfway between Illouette and Glacier Point, I still had not seen one other human. Then they began to pass me. Walking down. No one else was walking up. They all asked if I had hiked up from the valley. One man, when I said yes, said--in heavily accented but perfect English--"Then you are my hero."
My speed was anything but heroic, but no one seemed to care. Including me. Getting up there matters to me. I'm less concerned about when.
Looking down on Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls
I had the option of catching a bus down, but I didn't even ask if there was room. I chose the Four-Mile Trail back down into the valley, then very happily rode an air-conditioned shuttle to connect me back up with my campsite.
Hear that, Grand Canyon? I'm ready, and I'm coming back.
THE VIDEO:
Reader Comments (7)
Sounds like you had a great time!
Loving the photos, it looks wonderful up there. Looking at them though, I don't think it's something I'd manage. Are those steep drops by the path I can see? This scaredy-cat is afraid of heights and not good with steep drops.
I agree, this would not be your hike, then. The trail is wide and well-maintained. But it is several thousand feet down. I'm okay with heights so long as I know my feet are firmly planted and I won't fall. But, I don't know if you noticed...in the photos and video, I only got about the top half of Illouette Fall in the shot. I could have shot the whole thing if I'd gone closer to the edge. But a big "no, thank you" on that.
I just wish I could get over the fear... I stop still and find it difficult to get going again if I see a drop I don't like. Maybe one day...
Nice medley of watersounds. Amazing to hear so much runoff at his normally dry time of year.
I think the fact that we've had a couple of good rains early (with some snow at higher elevations) helped. The Kern River falls (Vernal and Nevada) were running well, it seemed. Illouette looked strong, but then I'd never seen it before. Yosemite Falls seemed quite a bit thinner than I'm used to.
felt like I was there, great experience for me, wonderful vibrations
It's an amazing park, and I feel we're so lucky to have it in our backyard (as National Parks go). I hope you enjoy your visit there!