9/3/20 For our last day on the trail, we hiked the Mirror Lake loop out to Tenaya Creek. Then later in the day we did a beautiful hike through McGurk meadow.
1 On the morning of our last full day, we drove into the Valley and headed out towards Mirror Lake. Here we have nice views of North Dome and Washington Column as we get started.
2 The whole group heading towards Mirror Lake.
3 Looking across the "lake" at Mt. Watkins. The lake has been getting progressively smaller over the years, especially during the drought. And this time of year, there's hardly a drop of water left to be seen.
4 Made it to the end of the loop at the Tenaya Creek bridge. This is actually the first time I've been all the way around the loop.
5 Time to stop for some lunch. We have to eat on the bridge in the sun because the gnats are swarming in the shade.
6 Looking down Tenaya Creek towards Mirror Lake.
7 Dr. Rock and I standing on the dry lake bed as we head back down the other side of the loop.
8 Heading back to the car now for the classic Half Dome view from Curry Village (which can finally be called Curry Village again!)
9 We stop at Tunnel View for the iconic view before heading back to the cabin. It's hazy, but much better than earlier in the week, and always awesome regardless.
10 Dr. Rock and I at the Tunnel View below Inspiration Point.
11 After a break at the cabin, we head out for a late afternoon hike to McGurt Meadow. We have a bit of a hard time finding the trail from the parking spot on Glacier Point road, but that just added to the fun.
12 The old cabin on the McGurt Meadow trail. Maybe Mr. McGurt's cabin?
13 McGurt Meadow. Gorgeous, still green, perfect time of day, and the trail almost to ourselves.
14 Just the right amount of overgrown in places. It's nice to know that some trails in Yosemite Valley can still get overgrown!
15 Awesome meadow trail.
16 Lots of painting worthy spots.
17 One last view of the meadow on the way back. I'm sweating it because I have to get Dr. Rock back to the cabin by 7:30 sharp for a birthday Zoom call, or else I'll be in hot water! We made it just in time. End to another great day on the trails and a great week in Yosemite!
