Mount Dana...

weighing in as the second highest in Yosemite NP at 13,053 feet is one wonderful summit. The peak performs a "Hang Five" maneuver (surfboard expression), balancing between the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada. It's like the quiet dude in the bar who's looking in from the edge of the action. Similar to this blogger's beer room manner.

When I was atop Clouds Rest, a grumpy old man (not me, this time) lambasted this beauty. "It's too far away from the real mountains. Why would anyone bother with it?"

You viewers can look at my photos and decide. I think it's worth the sweat effort to get there. 

BTW. That is the same Mono Lake that I donated some coin to keep saving.

Enjoy!

Eagle Peak...

Just 2.6 miles past Yosemite Falls. The water that gives birth to the falls comes from snowmelt. This time of the year and with the drought, Yosemite Wall is more appropriate. You can see a sheen where the cascade has been on the rock though.

Eagle Peak at 7,730 feet is worth the extra bonus miles and altitude. I did see an eagle or hawk swoon by near enough to hand me a High-Five with his outstretched wing. A close encounter of the bird kind.

It was a warmish day and I earned my IPAs and water that evening. 

Remember! Hydrate or Die!

Californians...

Even though one out of every ten Americans resides in the "Golden State," they are a unique mob. 

And I have photos to prove it!

Photo One: Hiker Dude in American flag tights. This guy raced by me as if I were a granite boulder. It must be the tights. Anyone know where I can buy a pair?

I'll try most things to turn back the effects of Daddy Time.

Photo Two: Meet Matt, an ultralight hiker/trail runner training for a 100 mile race. I met him at noon and he had twenty miles under his shoes already. He had another thirty more to go. Next to him was all his luggage. This was his third day "out there."  My pack could eat his pack. I offered him food, but no thanks. He was existing on Cliff Bars and a yellow protein drink powder. Yummy! The funny thing was all the techno gadgets he carried: I Phone, GPS, emergency beacon and a solar charger to keep them all fed.

Nice guy. I hope he wins his race. He drinks IPAs too. 

Photo Three: Yep! The Hippy Vans can still acquire license plates in California. Lisa and I saw the van owners later on in a campground. They were an older, very serene, zen looking couple. Apparently they have never been jaded (like me)  by modern society! Good on them!

Photo Four: Barley's newest bumper sticker. I think I'll go and get a flower for my hair.

Peace! 

Jeff