Page 31 - AMA Summer 2023

For lunch on this day, the SML took the team through a practical session on rope and sling drills, utilising improvised and recommended methods to support groups in confidence roping and emergency scenarios. Sporadic rock fall remains were dotted throughout the walk and provided opportunity to deliver this lesson, take a few team pictures and, as they found out a little later, to conceal resting diamondback rattlesnakes. There were also plenty of salamanders and sun-soaked lizards on this trail. A great day, the team finished amongst the hustle and bustle of Curry Village. Team 1 was back on duty to provide a carb-load ready for the final trek.
THE MIST TRAIL AND HALF DOME
An early morning start to allow for the extended distance of circa 30km, the expedition group took on the Mist Trail
Misty Trail, Half Dome on the Nevada Falls Trail
with the addition of a Half Dome summit attempt. This Trek, despite all the grandeur in the days that preceded it, exceeded all expectations; it was truly phenomenal. The Mist Trail begins by following a marked trail between Grizzly Peak and Liberty Cap, first passing through Vernal Falls. As the team first approached the falls, roughly 300m out, the spray began to intensify with many walkers stopping short to extract waterproof clothing in preparation for the crossing. However, much of the group paid lip service to this warning and pushed through this immense theme-park-water- ride of a fall on its south side until rising above it, looking back in sodden clothing, and taking in the view of the rainbow amongst the mist of the valley backdrop.
A quick shake off and the team carried on with the ascent, avoiding at this stage the loop back through Nevada Falls and
pushing up to Half Dome. Very quickly the vegetation changed and as they proceeded through Little Yosemite Valley, the ground opened out into a very dry, Mediterra- nean landscape to the east of Liberty Cap. After a few kilometres, the ground began to ascend and the vegetation changed once again, as the team began an ascent through a montane region toward Half Dome. Littered with pine, oak, incense-ce- dar, and red fir trees, this was bear-country. Cautiously ascending, the team managed to make it to the foot of Half Dome before encroaching on heavy snow at the base of the final section. The assessment was made that if the team were to go any further, they would be beyond remit and the right decision was made to descend back onto the mist trail loop. On re-joining the Mist Trail, the team continued towards Nevada Falls which provided little mist, although a heavy shower gave all a Wim Hoff full body experience in the ice-cold flush that precipitated from above. A group favourite; on completion, a well-deserved pizza and beer was enjoyed by all.
Note: A lesson for anyone planning a Yosemite expedition in the attempt to tackle the summit of Half Dome; consider arriving in early June to avoid the snow and hope the ballot tickets come through.
WHITE WATER AND
MARIPOSA GROVE
On conclusion of the trekking activities, the team were fortunate to experience some white-water rafting on the grade 3/4 Merced River. A 16km, 2-hour adventure saw the team break down into 3 rafts, working as teams to negotiate the rapids of the Californian snow melt river. Great moral courage was shown by some members
WATCH YOUR STEP!
Yosemite boasts 13 different species of snakes from the common Gartersnakes to the less prevalent red, black and cream banded Sierra Mountain kingsnake and less colourful rubber boa with its grey pallor and blunt tail. However, it is the infamous and venomous Northern Pacific rattlesnake that commands the greatest attention. Thankfully, encounters are rare as this snake tends to be elusive but nonetheless, do be careful where you go ‘poking about.’ Afterall, this is their natural habitat. If you do see or hear one, the best course of action is to keep a safe distance. Ironically though, it is the Sierra Mountain kingsnakes whose diet consists of the occasional rattlesnake.
Gartersnake Source: www.nps.gov/yose (Credit; Thomas Shockey, www.pexels.com)
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