Day 1. July 30: Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake High Sierra Camp. 13.5miles

Don and I started this adventure together at 4:45am. A half moon overhead allowed us to walk without headlamps along the steep trail that begins at Happy Isles. By 7am we were crossing the bridge at Nevada Falls.

The morning sky had a smokey tint and smell to it. A call to CW and she told us about what CAL-FIRE was calling the "Aspen Fire." Hopefully that won't impact the hike later on.

Sunrise over Nevada Falls

Don and I enjoyed a nice time together during a rest stop at Little Yosemite Valley. From there we said goodbye as I headed to Merced Lake and Don headed back down to clean up at Curry Village before heading home. Thank you so much Don. 

Don and Dave at Clark's Point

Things are looking up. Water spills over Nevada Falls

Over the next 5 hours I covered 8.5 miles to the Merced Camp and arrived at 2pm. The trail follows the river and is surrounded by huge granite walls. 

Once at the Camp I was greeted by Rosie and Mike. Super friendly folks that run things here. Within the first hour I got to shower, hand wash my clothes, and received excellent fishing advice for my hike tomorrow.  Later Mike, told us exciting stories of his exploits as a USAF fighter pilot.

Rosie and two old AF Pilots

We had a great meal of pasta, salad, bread and blueberry pie. Later a Park Ranger gathered us around a large campfire and told us some history of Yosemite. And yes, she made us sing some songs. It was great to have a real bed to enjoy the end of a long day.

As a side note, Merced Camp was strangely reminiscent of the summer before my freshman year in Colorado Springs. Elevation of 7200'. Pine trees.  Canvas tents all in a row (Ours were green) and roommates you never met before.  Merced Lake was exactly like Colorado except we didn't have to run everywhere with a fake rifle and no one was yelling at us all the time.