In the mountain lion's habitat

This morning we took a hike to Mirror Lake.  It was an easy one mile walk. However, as we entered we read the warnings about what to do if we meet a mountain lion. (Don't run! Be big. Yell!) You can bet if I can keep my body from running, I will be yelling.  There were many other people out and about, but none right near us.  The walk was beautiful and quiet.  But it looked as if we had climbed over the fence and entered the mountain lion habitat at the zoo.  We walked around and under and between giant boulders.  A mountain lion would look perfect lounging on top of one of these rocks.  I was scared.




We also noticed excellent caves for raising your mountain lion cubs.

I have read in national park literature about the need for wildness, the need to be outside and experience the wild. I appreciate the idea of untamed nature, and  I do feel it when I am in the parks.  I don't like to be afraid, but I am glad to be outside and in real nature.

We kept moving and reached the lake, which is dry now.  In order to see the waterfalls and lakes full of water, we should have visited in June.


This gravely flat surface is the dry lake bed.  We walked around it, looking up at granite cliffs. Then we walked back to our cabin on the valley trail.  We ate lunch and had nap/reading time. At 3:00 we headed back out to take the free shuttle to El Capitan.


Looking at El Capitan from the Merced River.


We waded in the Merced River and picked up "gold."


We passed this meadow on the bus ride home.  John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt camped here
in 1903, and Muir persuaded TR to add the valley and other meadows to the park.  The idea of a sitting President's camping is fabulous to me.  What a world we would be living in if the President could go camping and be influenced by a naturalist!


Off the Subject:
Last night we had a wonderful patriotic 90 minutes when we met in the bar area at Half Dome Village to watch the Presidential Debate with about 100 camper citizens.  It was a quiet, intense space.  People cared deeply about the event.  The crowd was respectful and attentive.  I was tense but then so proud to be an American and felt lucky to be here.


Two televisions showed the debate, and one showed Monday night football.
This is about half the group.