June 22, 2021 was our last full day in Yosemite, and it was epic! Today’s destination was the Tuolumne Meadows area. However, we made a couple of stops along the way.
Olmsted Pt. This was yet a different view of Half Dome from what we have seen. It was equally impressive.
I followed a path from the lookout parking lot. I couldn’t help noticing the vibrant, hot pink flowers and how striking they were against the white rock. The main road was lined with them, too.
More scenic pictures along the path.
Tried to give perspective of trunk width, but couldn’t get to the left side of the trunk and have my selfie include the far right edge at the same time, so I figured this would have to suffice.
Hiking out onto the granite was really cool, but it sure was windy out there.
As I was walking back, another tree caught my eye. This tree was unique in the way it grew around a granite boulder! Together they made a perfect lounge chair.
Next stop: Tenaya Lake. BEAUTIFUL! The water is so incredibly clear!!
As we drove through the Tuolumne Meadows area (approx. 8600 ft elevation), we were tempted to stop and explore, but knew we better get to our hiking destination while we had the energy. A ranger at the visitor center suggested we park at Dog Lake parking lot for the complete hike to Lembert’s Dome and to Dog Lake. It was a four-ish mile hike that was rated “Moderate” with an elevation increase of about 850+ ft. Hmmm—Vernal Fall was rated EASY—not sure we’d survive this one. The ranger assured me it was easier than the Vernal Fall hike. Overall, the hike to the base of the dome and to the lake was easier than the Vernal Fall hike. Because we were already at a higher altitude it was significantly cooler – which was our first incentive to do this hike. However, we still needed to pause often while ascending due to the altitude.
HIKE TO LEMBERT’S DOME:
The hiking/climbing up the dome to the top, elevation 9455 ft, however, was not for the faint at heart. There was not a designated path. It was all granite and you just pick how you want to get to the top. One misstep and you could be tumbling down and off! It would not be good. Couple that with the fierce wind, and it was a bit stressful. BUT, we made it!
When I made it to the top I grabbed the top boulder of granite and hugged it without any intent of letting go anytime soon! The wind gusts were intimidating, but the views were incredible. I thought of my son, Richard, and my brother, Montana. This is what they love when they do a major hike or climb. They’d both be very proud of me today. Heck, I was proud of me! Barry and I were both pleased with our hiking accomplishments this week.
Loosening my grip as I felt a little more at ease. We enjoyed meeting Michelle from Michigan, and a young couple from Washington.
After Barry took the picture above, he made the following video. In the video you will notice the blonde, avid hiker (she let us know her experience–like we cared), but she is later seated, and the girl in black crouches down to steady herself due to the wind gusts. The gusts were quite unnerving for everyone. (This was the only 360 video Barry did while up there.
Video: 360 Degree View
The gusts seemed to be increasing in frequency and strength.) There were signs telling people to stay OFF the dome during any conditions with possible lightning. DUH! But you know, there is no accounting for stupid.
“What comes up must come down.” It was time for us to start down the dome. Coming down was harder and a little scarier. I can’t convey in words the real-time effect the wind and the intense wind gusts had on us. When the gusts would come, we’d just freeze in a steady and anchored position till it subsided enough to continue. Neither of us mentioned at the time the thought we were each having of what could happen with one little slip. It wasn’t till we were back onto the dirt trail and easily on our way to Dog Lake that we mentioned it.
Video: A taste of the wind!
Our hike continues to DOG LAKE:
The trail mileage signs along the way to Dog Lake did not appear to be accurate. We were beginning to think that maybe there really wasn’t a lake. But, another couple coming towards us reassured us there was a lake that was worth continuing to. They laughed, and said, “Yeah, the mileage signs were definitely off.” Alas! Dog Lake. This is where we would enjoy our lunch. We walked around part of the lake to find a nice place for lunch. It was refreshingly breezy here by the lake.
DOG LAKE
Once again–amazingly clear water throughout!
Now to enjoy a lazy stroll through some of the alpine Tuolumne meadows, and check out Soda Springs. We saw a couple deer shortly after we started down the path from where we parked. These two crossed the path in front of us. One actually appeared to look before she crossed. She didn’t look BOTH ways, but it’s more than they typically do. 🙂
Soda Springs-Small, carbonated mineral springs.
A few of the bubbling springs are protected by a wooden enclosure that was built around 1885, by Jean Baptiste Lembert. It was to protect the springs from grazing animals. Other springs remain out in the open. I was not brave enough to taste the water from those in the wooden enclosure.
Around 1885, this log enclosure was built over a few of the carbonated springs to protect them from grazing animals.
soda springs out in the open 
Springs protected by the enclosure pictured below.
The alpine meadows with the river winding through them and the mountains in the background were stunning, especially at this time of day. The crystal clear water everywhere blows me away.
It was time to start walking back to the Jeep. We wanted to get back to the motorhome before dark. As we were casually walking I said that I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more deer, but I’d really like to see a male with some antlers. I no sooner said that and OMG…There was a male deer off to the left! We stayed quiet and still to not scare him. How cool!
Video: Male deer grazing and coming closer to us.
Video: Male deer crosses to the other side of us.
What an absolutely perfect day we had! We were truly blessed by all our Yosemite experiences. The time we had with this male dear was the icing on our cake for a beautifully peaceful close to our time in Yosemite.