Although the temperature was less than the previous days, it was still hot so a walk in the chilly Tioga Lake was welcoming.
With the area so dry there have been numerous fires including one controlled fire started on August 29th that got out of control and burned a large valley. They are still dampening down the hot spots today. With so many burnt trees every where it was at least good to know that certain trees like the giant Sequoia trees actually benefit from forest fires as it clears the undergrowth for the seeds to receive sunlight.
Heading into the populated part of the park via a few tunnels we were welcomed by a variety of trees (Not just pines) a stream through the valley and towering granite cliffs either side.
El Capitan stands out with its face about 3000feet high as does half dome at the end of the valley. On the other side of the valley a small stream flows off the cliff forming the only waterfall at this time of year (At least what we saw).
Leaving the valley we got our last view back up the valley and of El Capitan. We left the park and found our hotel in the small town of Oakhurst. The hotel has a number of large wooden carvings of bears, a water wheel and the Statue of Liberty.
After a quick rest we returned to the park to see the few thousand year old Sequoia trees. These trees are massive around the base and seem taper out to nothing. One of the trees has a tunnel carved through it which allowed horse and cart to pass through in the 1800’s. The small squirrels scurried among the giant trees collecting the pine cones and the thumping sounds of the wood peckers were heard occasionally.
While Fraser and Aaron slowed for more pictures Sarah got the Chicken Little experience of the sky/pine cone falling nearby making a loud noise as it landed.
Returning to the town just as the sun set we had tea and watched the 9/11 remembrance programs.
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