One week in Yosemite!

[gRaFFiX]

Hey all, I haven't been here on the forums in quite a few months, but I thought I'd let you know that I'm a few days away from a week long backpacking trip through the Yosemite Wilderness. My 50 year old father and my Step-Brother will be driving from Idaho to pick my Brother and I up along the way to Yosemite. We will be doing a loop of the whole wilderness - starting at White Wolf Campground and heading North to Pate Valley, through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. We have to stay near the junction with the Tuolumne River the first night because of the permit, but the next day we hike 14 miles along the river, and the waterfalls to Glen Aulin Backpackers Camp. The next day we turn south and hike down to Tenya Lake, and cross Highway 120. Then we hike further South to Clouds Rest, which is supposed to be the best spot in the whole wilderness since it's just North of Half Dome and overlooks all of Little Yosemite Valley. From there we will be hiking down the famous Mist Trail next to Nevada and Vernal Falls, and into Little Yosemite Valley to spend the day, before we hike up and out via the Yosemite Falls Trail - Very steep! Then it's another day of hiking back to White Wolf Campground.

To answer the obvious question first, Yes I will be hammock camping the whole time - using my WBBB. I'm taking my GoPro so we should have some video for you guys sometime also! I originally planned to solo this hike but my Dad eagerly joined in, then my Brother, then my Step-Brother, so this has grown into an expedition of sorts now. I wish I could write more, but I have to go to work, so wish me luck and I'll get back to you if you want more details or have any questions.

RJ

[mangus7175]

I can't wait for the trip report...planning my Yosemite trip next year as well. Good luck!

[Bomber]

Good to hear from you again G

[Hangin' Burrito]

That's one of my top 10 hikes on the "list"!
Have fun & be careful. Looking forward to the video.

[carolinasbackpacker]

definitely looking forward to the trip report... take lot's of picks and video

[mountain_man_mike]

Have a great trip and enjoy the time with your family & friends! I was really lucky to get to Yosemite 5 times this year and although the permit system is a burden, the scenery is incredible. I am looking forward to your trip report.

[gRaFFiX]

Thanks guys. I forgot to mention that we will be covering 70+ miles on this hike. I definitely will be taking lots of pictures. This is sorta a backcountry photography week, at least for my dad and I - we're both photogs. I'll be taking my Canon T3i and a telephoto lense (for the wildlife) along with my filters and five batteries for both my Canon, and Gopro. I'll also be lugging a full size "travel" (2 pound) tripod. I just can't bring myself to bring my nice tripod, but I know I will regret it when the-perfect-shot-that-requires-a-super-stable-tripod occures. My Father is bringing his T1i along with a telephoto and macro lense. I'll get to use his macro so I wont have to carry one!

The permit application wasn't any trouble at all since we are leaving from an obscure trailhead, but the b&($h is making sure a weeks worth of food fits in a finite bear canister. It has been a pain in the @$$ to constantly tweak every last detail with this bear canister! Also, Half Dome now requires a special permit for every person that wants to climb it, and since we don't want to rush our trip, we did not apply for it. We will simply hike right on by the trail up and curse our misfortune. It wont last long though since we will be hiking DOWN the mist trail, and will end the day at the top of Yosemite Falls. I'm so excited Saturday couldn't get here quickly enough!

[Sassafras]

WOW!!! That sounds like an amazing trip. We hope to make it next Spring to Yosemite, so I am anxious to hear all about it. Be safe and you just cant take too many photos.