Today was one of the tougher days I’ve had in a while. The miles came more slowly… a combination of steeper than normal climbs (6700′ up) and the fact that I’m starting to lose some of my power after so many miles. On top of that there were five “wet” creek crossings as well as a pretty solid afternoon thunderstorm. Luckily, the storm cleared out just as the trail was cresting the highest Pass of the day.

A classic Yosemite granite dome as the sun rises.

This is Wide Creek. Other than getting wet feet (shin high) it was a non-issue… much different story 2.5 months ago when I would have come through originally. The pics/vids I saw had people swimming across in fast moving water. There were a total of five crossings like this today, from ankle deep to just below the knees.

The signage Yosemite uses on the trails is very distinct.

Even around mid-day the skies were still behaving…

…not so much in the afternoon.

Then things cleared just as I got to the top of Benson Pass (10,100′)
Hard to imagine seeing some blue skies again after the storm earlier.

Tomorrow, Tuolumne Meadows!