Dream Trip 2008: June

Great Travel Moment

When Mother Nature heaves a fast-flowing torrent of water 317 feet down to the rocks below, you can end up with a very dangerous situation. Since 1924, thirteen people have lost their lives to this temptress. I was a relieved mom when my son relinquished his perch on the viewing platform at the top of the falls after completing the hike up the long slippery Mist Trail. We knew the hike up the trail to the top of Vernal Falls could be misty and wet, but we had no idea how treacherous the steps would be once we passed the wooden foot-bridge that crosses the Merced River near the bottom. For the last half-mile to the top we struggled up a narrow path littered with gasping hikers. You can see from the smile on my son?s face that we were thrilled to have persevered and reached the top.