The Wild and Scenic Merced

Yosemite has closed a number of campgrounds this year, so very few RVs can stay within the park, plus there's a rock arch at the only year-round entrance, which many cannot pass through.

We were fortunate to find two sites just 15 minutes from the entrance at Indian Flat Campground. They even gave us a site with nesting Acorn Woodpeckers, which we watched fledge during our stay!

Here you're encouraged to disconnect (or pay per day for wifi) and while the RVs are packed pretty tightly, its location makes a great base for exploring Yosemite. It has a beautiful view of mountains, a pool and is right across the street from the Merced river, where Asher and I spent much time.

This year, due to an increase in visitation, Yosemite has implemented a permit system. One must have a permit (plus pay for entry) in order to enter the park between the hours of 6am-4pm. The permit window for the entire summer opened on one day, and some were sold out within a day or two! Fortunately I saw a post about this and while some of the days were already sold out, we were still able to get the passes we needed because when you purchase one day, you get that day plus the following two days. 

We spent one day at the very scenic Merced River Recreation Area, just 20 minutes in the opposite direction from Yosemite. 

Asher fished from the beach before we drove over the little bridge to check out what lies beyond.

There's a steep switchback trail leading up the mountain, so I took that in search of quail while the rest of the family found another spot to fish along the river. 

As I rose, the view just kept getting better, and then I spotted my California Quails, an Ash-throated Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and far beneath me, my sweet boy in his element.

Back at the campground, it was time for a refreshing swim with our friends.

Before the sun set, back to the river where Asher taught Yair how to fish and Journey and Mika did gymnastics on the beach.

Relaxing in the Valley of Giants

 

I specifically planned ten days at Yosemite so we'd have time to soak in the natural beauty, and we definitely did! A few of the days we didn't hike, but simply brought chairs, fishing gear, binoculars plus a gymnastics mat and just enjoyed our surroundings.

The iconic Bridalveil Falls trail was closed, however we were able to enjoy it from the trailhead and our fishing spot one day. It was a great backdrop for their special Crossfit workout (The Murph).

I loved watching just how far the water would shoot over the rocks. I learned the timing of our visit (end of May) was perfect. A woman told me her last two visits included a shut down of the park for fires, and NO waterfalls as once the snow melt is gone, so are the falls. 

While Asher fished and Journey did gymnastics, I looked for birds. 

Western Tanager (above)    Hammond's Flycatcher (below)

Using binoculars I spotted some climbers on El Capitan.

The next day we had the chance to meet two climbers and ask them questions. We learned it typically takes 3-4 days to climb to the top.  98% of climbers use webbing ladders for El Capitan. They attach one, climb it, connect the second, step onto it, remove the first, repeat until you reach the top! I'd never heard of this method of climbing, but I was able to see climbers using it thru my scope. Very few climb this unaided- free climb (using ropes for safety, but not to help climb) or free solo (no ropes at all)! If you want to see what free solo is like, I highly recommend watching the documentary, Dawn Wall. 

We also learned climbers sleep in a portaledge, a cot/tent contraption, on the side of the mountain and the "leave no trace" policy, includes body fluids. Yes, they have to bring THAT with them off the mountain, which is where the "poop tube" comes in handy. They "go" in a bag, seal it and store it in a sealed PVC tube until they come off the mountain. Here's some good general info about climbing El Capitan.

Asher's favorite place to fish was beneath the shadow of El Capitan, specifically under the bridge.  Daddy and Journey didn't mind hanging out on the river's edge watching climbers summit El Cap.