Storm, Bridalveil Falls

The Falls are right under that little round cloud hovering just over the treetops. It's possible to see the flat stream of water if you enlarge the photo. You can also see the snow beginning to collect on the high peaks. 

We woke this morning to the sound of rain on the roof of the van, fulfilling the forecast of a 90% chance of precipitation. It was also bitter cold, and the clouds were so low that it was impossible to see Half Dome or any of the other landmarks in Yosemite Valley. We heard that two of the three roads out of the park were closed because of the storm, and cars were appearing with six inches of wet snow on their roofs. It wouldn't be bad to stroll in the rain if there were a big warm space waiting for our return, if sodden clothes had a place to dry, and shivering bones could snuggle up to a warm fire, but two wet people in a small van is not a pleasant prospect for the afternoon. We decided, in short, to cut the trip short and run for home a day early. Not without fierce regrets, but the forecast was for yet another day of rain and neither of us relished the thought of being confined in a small wet space for hours on end.


We did see three coyotes making a dash across the road from the meadow to the woods. It has been a great trip for animal sightings. And, as we drove out of the park along the Merced River, suddenly there was snow visible on the cliffs. It made us laugh to see snow in May, especially since we had to cancel our January ski trip because there was no snow at all.