Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Yosemite National Park ~ Day 2

Tuesday, August 16th ~ Our first hike! We hiked to Mono Pass and a bit farther to Sardine Lake.


Views along the hike...... these are Lodgepole Pines (I think)


More views.....


Then into the meadows. Unfortunately, we were late for most wildflowers (which also meant late for mosquitoes, which is a good thing!)


At the pass! Just 4 miles and 1000 ft elevation gain.


Our first Yosemite wildlife!


A lake by the pass.


Bighorn Sheep! A bit of a story here - many decades ago all of the big horn sheep were wiped out in Yosemite due to domesticated sheep (which were grazed) bringing disease. About 30- 40 years ago, big horn sheep were reintroduced into Yosemite and have thrived.  We actually met (while hiking) the naturalist who was instrumental in reintroducing this herd - he was following them and obtaining DNA samples to make sure there was enough diversity among the herd. Enjoy the photos! (And thank the new superzoom camera for the pics!!)





About half a mile past Mono Pass is Upper Sardine Lake. We thought this was it when we were here, but now think this may be Lower Sardine Lake, or maybe a completely non-Sardine Lake altogether.


Labor making lunch.


Princess doing what princesses do best!!


Another look at the lake by Mono Pass.


Wildflower!

So we didn't realize that we left Yosemite and entered the Inyo National Forest. Passing this sign was our first clue!  ;-)


Full moon at Tuolumne Meadows that night.





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