Final day in Yosemite, and HC wants to try a hike into the backcountry. Early morning driving to a remote section, he finds the start of a trail which he thinks is called Table Top. The open meadow before him shines in morning light.
Heightened awareness fills his headspace as he gets going along the trail. The repeated warning signs of bear activity will do that to a person. He first comes to the smooth limestone of Table Top, thinks about climbing the rock initially, but changes his mind and decides to stick to the official trail and hike along the mighty rock’s circumference.
Paranoia starts to creep in after a couple of miles, the silence and lack of other people start to mess with HC’s mind. Luckily though the trail opens up to a flowing river and a handful of other hikers enjoying the cool waterfall.
Following the downward trajectory of the water, HC makes his way from the group of hikers to a more solitary spot. The powerful energy emanating here is healing. He stays here for a lengthy spell, taking it all in.
HC decides to explore the waterfall, as the group of hikers have left their spot. He finds a trail unexpectedly, one that seems to be different from the trail he entered this area……
Past the waterfall, he stumbles across of young Buck resting in the shade on the trail. The two stare each other down, not with animosity but more so curiosity. HC walks slowly toward the deer, the buck’s eyes stay on HC as it backs up into the forest. The encounter with nature is thrilling.
So no bear encounters happened on this short hike into Yosemite’s backcountry, and the trail ends up connecting back to the main trail that started this adventure. HC gets back to his vehicle, opens his cooler and makes another picnic lunch under the mountains of this special National Park. This trip has been just as much about simple sandwiches as it has been majestic views and peaceful scenery.
