Day 1- Snow and Mist Trail

12/28/15  It was snowing as we arrived in the Valley for our winter adventure. Although visibility was low, the ambiance was amazing. And a trip up the off-limits Mist Trail made for a perfect day.
DSC02994 The Merced River amidst freshly fallen snow. It's early afternoon as we enter Yosemite Valley. We chose a longer route into the Valley to avoid heavier snow and...
The Merced River amidst freshly fallen snow. It's early afternoon as we enter Yosemite Valley. We chose a longer route into the Valley to avoid heavier snow and…
DSC03006 Bridalveil Fall at 617' high. We're pleasantly surprised to see water flowing since this fall goes dry for much of the year.
Bridalveil Fall at 617' high. We're pleasantly surprised to see water flowing since this fall goes dry for much of the year.
DSC03007 The foot of El Capitan barely visible below the storm. Being in Yosemite without being able to see the iconic granite views is a little frustrating, but it's an...
The foot of El Capitan barely visible below the storm. Being in Yosemite without being able to see the iconic granite views is a little frustrating, but it's an…
DSC03008 More views of tne Merced River winding through the snowy forest. My Dad had hoped to use this trip to get source material for future paintings and Christmas...
More views of tne Merced River winding through the snowy forest. My Dad had hoped to use this trip to get source material for future paintings and Christmas…
DSC03028 We make our way to Curry Village and then hike out to Happy Isle and the start of the trail to Half Dome. A picture my Dad and I have taken many times. But...
We make our way to Curry Village and then hike out to Happy Isle and the start of the trail to Half Dome. A picture my Dad and I have taken many times. But…
DSC03031 Icicles everywhere.
Icicles everywhere.
DSC03035 Creative little snowmen dot the trail along the way.
Creative little snowmen dot the trail along the way.
DSC03037 The 370' tall Illilouette Fall would normally be at the top end of this canyon. It looks dry at the moment.
The 370' tall Illilouette Fall would normally be at the top end of this canyon. It looks dry at the moment.
DSC03051 The first views of Vernal Fall from the footbridge as it starts to snow heavily.
The first views of Vernal Fall from the footbridge as it starts to snow heavily.
DSC03053 Another view of the 317' Vernal Fall from the bridge.
Another view of the 317' Vernal Fall from the bridge.
MAH03052 Video of Vernal Fall and the increasingly large snowflakes. For best performance, you can watch the video on YouTube .
Video of Vernal Fall and the increasingly large snowflakes. For best performance, you can watch the video on YouTube .
DSC03058 Start of the Mist Trail. Probably one of the most famous sections of trail in the world. It's always closed for the winter season due to danger from ice and...
Start of the Mist Trail. Probably one of the most famous sections of trail in the world. It's always closed for the winter season due to danger from ice and…
31- Needless to say, we press on... Here we arrive at the first view of Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail and the start of of the steps to the top. With the slippery...
Needless to say, we press on... Here we arrive at the first view of Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail and the start of of the steps to the top. With the slippery…
DSC03061 The first full height view of Vernal Fall. Despite being early winter, there's as much or more water than in a dry summer. I know I should definitely be turning...
The first full height view of Vernal Fall. Despite being early winter, there's as much or more water than in a dry summer. I know I should definitely be turning…
DSC03063 The classic Vernal Fall view from the Mist Trail. Normally, during a wet Spring, you can't even take your camera out here because of the blasting mist. I think...
The classic Vernal Fall view from the Mist Trail. Normally, during a wet Spring, you can't even take your camera out here because of the blasting mist. I think…
DSC03069 The overhang that provides shelter from the blasting ice water during a wet Spring trip up the Mist Trail. It's not needed today.
The overhang that provides shelter from the blasting ice water during a wet Spring trip up the Mist Trail. It's not needed today.
DSC03074 Another epic view. Probably not too many people get a chance to take this picture.
Another epic view. Probably not too many people get a chance to take this picture.
DSC03077 A couple more pictures for good measure. Though I have been here probably a dozen times, this time is unquestionably unique, and I have to take advantage of...
A couple more pictures for good measure. Though I have been here probably a dozen times, this time is unquestionably unique, and I have to take advantage of…
DSC03078 The last clear view before heading under some tree cover.
The last clear view before heading under some tree cover.
DSC03080 Almost to the rail section. It's pretty much an ice wall here from all the water dripping down the cliff face. The picture definitely doesn't do it justice....
Almost to the rail section. It's pretty much an ice wall here from all the water dripping down the cliff face. The picture definitely doesn't do it justice.…