2001.05.26
Hetch Hetchy
Backpacking with Audrey around the north and south sides of Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite. This area gets only a fraction of Yosemite Valley's visitors, but is comparable in beauty.
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Wapama Falls
Here's a shot of Wapama Falls, which crashes into Hetch Hetchy in a cloud of mist.
I took this from the old tribal cave on the opposite shore of the misty canyon lake. Here, the kings and queens of the ancient tribe of Moo would celebrate the life gift of water. From the sacred granite cavern, warriors would paddle out across the glassy ceremonial waters into the deep mist of the falls, where gifts would be left for the Moo God.
(OK the photo is upside down.)
Cottonwood Creek
The first day we camped near Cottonwood Creek, which is on the south side of Hetch Hetchy. It's a beautiful area of lush meadows and mature pine forests. Despite the great views from Smith Peak and easy access to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, the area offers relative solitude compared to nearby Rancheria Falls.
Baby Bear
A mama bear and her three cubs lived in the trees overlooking our campsite. We didn't choose this, they moved in after we did. The mother bear would send her cubs up a tree for safekeeping when she had to leave them to make her rounds. Except for occasional quality time with mama, the cubs spent most of the day and night living in the trees.
If you camp in the Yosemite backcountry, be sure to bring a bear canister and secure all food, trash and toiletries.
