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FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1998 |
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PARK
WEATHER MORE NEWS The Yellowstone Net Newspaper is published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
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PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS
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by KIM STEINBACHER BERKELEY, Cal. (YNET) -- "Personal Rainbows." That's how I think of the rainbows along the Mist Trail in Yosemite. The rainbows that appear on this trail certainly aren't rare. In fact, it's almost a guaranteed feature of the trail if you hike it before the afternoon. But sometimes, like now, it's a little bit more special. Last week the Sierra Nevada was finally hit by warm weather and as a result the incredible snowpack finally started to melt. The ensuing runoff led to some minor flooding in Yosemite valley and actually damaged a section of road leading into the park, effectively shutting off 2 of the 3 main access roads into the park. Since one of the roads is Highway 120, or more importantly for this story, *my* road into the park, I anxiously waited all week to see if it would reopen in time for the weekend. As soon as I heard it had reopened I jumped in my Jeep and hit the road. I'm not sure if it's possible to describe the roar of the river or the pounding of the waterfalls but they are mesmerizing sights (and sounds) when nature lets loose. The snowmelt feeding the falls and rivers is truly spectacular after months of El Nino rains that left a terrific amount of snow in the mountains. So of course I absolutely had to do the Mist trail. Remember jumping in puddles as a kid? Forget it -- on this trail the puddles come to you. The trail to the top of Vernal Fall is 1.5 miles long but it is the last .2 miles that qualifies as a showstopper. You must climb up steps that were carved out of the granite, all the while hiking in the mist that comes off Vernal Fall. But when Vernal Fall is full, as it is now, it is akin to hiking in a rain shower. Water pours down the steps as you hike up. The winds from the falls blow the mist all around you. You are soaked in minute or two (unless you bring along rain gear, as many people do). But all this water means you are surrounded by rainbows. In the early morning you only need to turn around as you are hiking to see a 180 degree rainbow appear. I'd watch other hikers appear under these rainbows and hike right through. And on this particular trip more often than not it was a double rainbow. When I withdew my gaze from the distant rainbow and lowered my gaze I
could see almost a 360 degree rainbow that traveled with me all the way up the trail. Of
course this is all a result of the incredible amount of moisture in the air and the angle
of the sun early in the day. But when you have a rainbow all to yourself the science of it
all doesn't seem to matter. Trail hints: * Start your hike early - it gets hot and crowded in the middle of the day. Also, the angle of the sun earlier in the day provides better rainbows at the base of Vernal Fall. * Bring ziploc bags for you camera/valuables if your backpack isn't waterproof. You might even consider picking up a waterproof disposable camera if you want to try to take pictures while on the wet part of the trail. * You can get to the top of Vernal Fall without getting wet if you veer off to the John Muir trail shortly after you hit the bridge. It's a little longer trail to the top (vs. the Mist trail section) but totally dry.
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