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So here we are with this gorgeous view and a nice sandy campsite. As the sun beams in, I spend a bit of time studying our topo map, and realize that as we looked in the evening's last light for this place we went further down the trail than originally thought. Actually we're now a bit too close to the trail turnoff for Half Dome,and shouldn't really be camping here.

Today we plan to just explore the local area, so we decided to break camp and move back up the trail to a more remote campsite in the backcountry.

Hiking back up the trail we came to the ever popular area at the trail split where there's a creek and grassy area. Being early in the day we kept going for about half a mile past that on the lower Cloud's Rest Trail to have a look around. We then doubled back and went exploring in the area south of the trail down by the water. Being so pretty we had lunch there and then cruised around without our packs for a while.

It's easy for a couple of hours to go by as you walk through the woods enjoying the aromas and surprising things hidden here and there. Pretty soon we shoulder our packs and decide to scope out a campsite. We spend some time scouting up the trail toward the Pinnacles, and find two great sites quite near the junction, up the trail a hundred yards. One has a great tree trunk that serves as a high table, and the other has good views. We set the tent up, start a fire and get ready for dinner.

A few minutes later a friendly visitor arrives. Doug's from Austin Texas and he's looking for a campsite wondering if we know of any good ones nearby. Why yes, there's a perfect one just up the trail, waiting for a customer. He sets up his tent. Near our site there's a big tree down , and the seasoned splintered wood is perfect for campfires. Doug returns shortly and receives the gift of fire, which he carries back to his campsite by way of flaming torch. You can see his campfire in the darkness.