Mirror Lake on Foot

It was difficult to leave the incredible rock climber sighting area, but we both felt compelled to continue our journey to Mirror Lake on foot. Our goal was to go around the lake in a counter clockwise direction, and once we got to the foot path that led us away from the pavement.  Once we got down a little way the path, we realized we would be sharing the trail with others, but it wasn't as crowded as the first time.  We chose to take an upland route through what is called The Cemetery for a bit more privacy.  We also wanted to be upland so we could see the correct path that would lead us around since we hadn't found it the first time.

When we finally reached Mirror Lake, we were alone.  I was inspired by the Ansel Adams photo I had purchased the day before, and I desired to take a photo of the place from the same vantage point as a comparison.  I didn't have to search long and this time snapped what I thought (and still think) was the prettiest photo from the trip.  I imagined Ansel Adams with his box camera taking photos, and wished for the millionth time that I had better than an iPhone 3 to take photos.  Here is the result.

At some point it was becoming evident that horses had been on this trail, and like trackers we followed their hoof prints to the rim of the lake.  The horse tracks lead us to a private gravel beach that was shallow enough to pass through.  Feeling adventurous, we decided to cross through the cool glassy water to the other side.  We took off our shoes, and waded our way across the gravel floor at the shallowest part of the lake.  We felt invigorated once on the other side where we sat and rested - taking in the beauty that surrounded us.  I felt awash with what John Muir must have felt when he first discovered that Yosemite could restore the soul.