Up before light and on the trail down to the Valley. This early morning travel has it's advantages. Very cool and comfortable. Very few people. No direct sun. We got to enjoy Nevada Falls by ourselves. It was in full bloom, torrents of water hurling off the face crashing on the apron below. Vernal was equally impressive. We got to the Valley about 9:30 and caught the free shuttle bus to the lodge. It is interesting to note what a novelty you become once in the Valley if you are carrying a backpack. Little kids stare at you as if you descended from the moon and clean, well heeled tourists treat you with curiosity.
We got off at the lodge, secured an outside table by leaning our packs against it and went inside the lunchroom, emerging with a spinach and walnut salad. We enjoyed the salad and people watching until the pool opened at 11:00. An hour soaking off the trail dirt, then a couple hours touring the Valley haunts: Awanhee Hotel, grocery store, Ansel Adams studio, Degnan's Pizza Loft then off to the bus stop for the Shuttle to Tuolumne. 7:15 sees us dropped at the Tuolmne store. A quick walk to our van and soon we are at the camping kiosk finding an empty site. A quick sorting of the food and the dirty clothes and we hit the sack.
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