Yosemite now has a permit system which limits traffic somewhat*. We heard maybe we could get more of the Park to ourselves, and headed out on our first venture to a public place since February. We enjoyed a few slightly-more-serene days in the park. For me it still felt like a zoo, but maybe that’s because I’ve been living with 1-2 people surrounded by millions of acres of untouched forest for five months. We went for a hike, and the next day for a climb, and for about 48 hours almost forgot that it’s been a difficult year. I hadn’t seen Tuolumne from up high since 2013 (and I didn’t see much then because I was running from a lightning storm off Clouds Rest). These views floored me and smoothed my ruffled feathers.
* Some people are abusing the system, poaching time in the Park by cheating at the gate. Sounded like a bunch of young climbers, from the rumors I heard. I’ve come to terms with the fact there will always be the “exceptional ones…” who the rules don’t apply to, and who ruin nice things for everyone else.