Yosemite National Park- Day 2

I set my alarm to wake up early the morning of the second day so I could get to the Glacier Point at or shortly after sunrise. I woke to a steady rain and clouds covering everything in sight. I decided that it would be best to just go back to bed and hope the clouds moved off. No such luck. When I finally got back into the park it was still raining and everything was shrouded in clouds. I decided I would head directly to the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees and hide from the rain under some of the biggest trees in world. Again, no such luck. The pass to that section of the park was closed due to ice and snow. Unfortunately that pass also takes you to the Glacier Point and Sentinel Point trails, so most of my plans for the day look unlikely to happen. The closest point of interest is the Tunnel Overlook, one of the most recognized vistas in the world. When I arrived there, I was greeted by a solid wall of clouds (look for a photo on the site). So, the only road open is the loop around the valley floor. I dodged the rain off all morning, managed to get some shots of Bridal Veil falls during a break in the clouds, took a walk toward Yosemite Falls and along a few short trails in the meadows. The sky looked like it might be clearing a bit, so I tried the road back to the Tunnel Overlook, but when I arrived it was closed to anyone w/out tire chains. My little Hyundai rental was shaky in normal weather so I turned around. It was pretty cold and I didn't want to get my camera wet, so finally I gave up and went to Yosemite Village to have lunch. I should have known that was not a great idea, the place was mobbed since it was raining and lunch-time. After fighting the crowd for a while I was able to get a guidebook to read while I was waiting for the weather to break.

I headed out and drove the loop around the valley a few more times, managing to dodge the raindrops (mostly) and get a few shots that were cool. As the day wore on the rain moved out and eventually I saw a few bits of sun. Things were starting to look up, and the remaining remnants of low hanging clouds made for some really cool photos. I decided I might try the Tunnel Overlook again... success! The road is open and I can see most of the valley. It isn't the classic view I was hoping for, but based on the rest of the day, this is pretty good. After that, it was getting near sunset, so I headed over to Curry Village to check in to my cabin. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up w/a cabin that had a good heater, a comfy bed and a private bathroom. I looked through my notes and planned out tomorrow. I would love to try the Glacier Point trail, but I need to be on the road by 3, and I doubt that the road will be open early enough. I think the Happy Isles Trail (yeah!) and the Vernal/Nevada Falls Trail will be open and accessible. As long as the Tioga Road and Tioga Pass are open, things will be good. If not, I will need to go through Sacramento which adds about 3 hours to the drive. All in all, not a bad day. Not what i was hoping for, but not bad at all. Looking forward to tomorrow.