At 9,270 feet May Lake is the geographical center of Yosemite national park. The park itself covers almost 1,200 square miles and 94 percent of it is designated wilderness. What we see and experience on our week long outing is a tiny fraction but once away from the roads and congestion that summer can bring, it seems as though we are truly in the wilderness. Carrying enough for a week even without the staples of traditional backpacking usually produces a 35 -45 pound backpack and nothing will convince me more quickly that we are “out there” than picking up that pack at mid-day after a lunch break! It’s been years since I actually have weighed it. I’ve learned what I need for this adventure and what I have with me, has to be with me. In the end it weighs whatever it weighs and it’s the price you pay for your ticket to paradise!

Usually the first time this revelation occurs is on the assent from Glen Aulin at at 7,800 feet, to the first set of switchbacks headed to May Lake. The exposed granite at mid-day can make a 65 degree F day seem more like 90! The climb is arduous and sometimes simply one foot in front of the other however the vista is sensational and is reason enough to bring an occasional halt to catch your breath and ask who’s bright idea this was in the first place.

Once at the top of the switchbacks the boots come off and the feet are elevated. At this point everyone usually gives themselves credit for the view, the climb and life in general. I never argue knowing I’ll be blamed as soon as the going gets though again!

It doesn’t take long before the second set of switchbacks are encountered. Now as afternoon light reminds that it must be towards the end of the day and surely not beginning, the climb this time seems steeper, longer and even slower. I don’t mention that it is! I also don’t mention that at the top is May Lake only a half mile further. I’ve never had to. Most sense that as the terrain levels, we must be close and usually everyone will start slapping hiking poles and high five anyone close. I say “we did it” with a big smile!

Now at May Lake we are presented with a view of the park to the south that we have not seen before. At dusk from the ridge we get our first view of Yosemite Valley and the monolith that is the Yosemite icon, Half Dome!

In the image here we marvel at our now distant view of Mt. Conness. At Glen Aulin the day before it seemed that we were camped beneath it.  As we hiked today we had many views each more distant. Now we added the perspective of scale and scope. We now realize just why we are so tired but the thrill of the alpenglow overcomes all else as we make comments and images together.

Canon 200mm 2.8 Canon 1.4 extender. Singh-Ray Color Combo polarizer and 3ss neutral grad.

Next ……… Sunrise at May before sunset at Sunrise!