Figures on the Rocks

As I sat on the rim of the meadow at The Ahwahnee, I perused a map of the park, looking for inspiration. I was seated about 100 yards in front of the massive granite face of Glacier Point, trying to see if there was something that would motivate us to get back out there on another adventure, instead of packing up our stuff and heading home.  The air was still crisp and I was practically alone, save for several Stellar's jays chattering around in the tall Sequoia trees, when I looked over my shoulder and saw an elderly gentleman quietly tidying up the patio area.

He was dressed in khaki from head to toe and on his chest was a name tag with his name and city of origin, just like all of the other Ahwahnee employees. Realizing I didn't have a lot of time to make up my mind about what to do, I began chatting with him about our failed attempt at finding bears, and questioning him about what would be a nice alternative.  At this point, Brad came up with a couple of cups of coffee, and he asked us what, other than bears, we might like to see.  We threw out several ideas... Bridalveil Falls, bus to Glacier Point, rock climbers.  He nodded and began talking about looking closely at the granite before us for faces, an eagle, a clock, and other items of interest. 

Brad was the first one of us to identify the clock, and even though I said I could see it, I wasn't telling the truth. I would be more adept at both identifying and describing the location of the interesting shapes on the granite walls after the hike he recommended we take: heading toward Mirror Lake and then around its perimeter.