Little Yosemite Valley to Happy Isles

The previous day of backpacking from Sunrise High Sierra Camp to Little Yosemite Valley was fairly easy, with only the steep downhill portions killing my knees, even while using trekking poles. We had a short day from Little Yosemite Valley into the valley, so we had a leisurely morning. We had a good chat with our neighbors over breakfast. Our over packed neighbors on one side were basically force feeding us Louisville smoked sausages just so they didn't have to carry it back. The neighbors on the other side were an older couple getting a late season start on the JMT. Each were interesting to us in their own ways. 

After breakfast we went to the Merced River to filter water..... 

to freshen up a bit.....

and take a little dip! I didn't have any sunblock or bug spray on at that point, so I figured it was okay. 

Then we put back on our packs and hit the trail. 

On the way we passed a water fall-

beautiful Nevada Falls

Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls

Zack on the trail

And of course, it rained, again. 

This was sad to read. It is the photos of two people swept over Vernal falls this year. 

Warning- Don't get near the water atop a waterfall! The guardrail is not there for looks. 

After about a 6 mile down hill hike on the JMT, we made it back to Yosemite Valley. 

Do you see the tourists? You didn't see any of those in the other backpacking photos! 

We made it back to the valley!

The Merced River, after all of the waterfalls. 

This deer looks angry! 

Don't pet it! Really people, please don't pet the wildlife. 

After a three day hike and eating dehydrated food this was the best tasting pizza EVER!

And best tasting beer ever! Backpacking Bettie approved! 

Then after dinner we caught the bus back up to Tuolumne Meadows (our starting point) and picked up our car. By the time we got to that elevation, the rain had turned into snow! We knew it was about time to high-tail it out of there and head south back to our home and warmer weather. It was one amazing trip. I can't wait to go back!  

Until next time, 

Backpacking Bettie