Month: October 2016

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Nevada Falls & Vernal Fall Yosemite National Park

Looking for the Light7 Comments

Classified as one of the Strenuous Hikes.

I had the pleasure, sweating, beyond thirsty and pain of hiking Nevada Falls and Verna Falls. Vernal Falls is the highest and the longest hike for me. It’s brutal. Suggestion: Lightweight weight clothes and hat covers back neck, Hiking gloves, walking stick, broken-in hiking boots, and carry as much water as you can. Conserve. Very few amenities along the route. In the summer one good wind and you’re covered in sand. Hand wipes are a portable doctor in a box. I had a few brushing, up or down the trail. Hiking Verna is straight up, “Natures Giant Spiral Staircase.”  I was on top of the world.

I’m working on this photo. The Jacked up version is on my “About Me” page.

Hope you enjoy.   Xx  M

 Vernal Falls

160

 

Climb Verna Falls is nature’s giant staircase. Where you are rewarded with close-up views of two waterfalls and numerous geologic features (depending on how far you choose to hike). Powerful and turbulent, these two waterfalls will soak you in spring and entice you year-round.

Vernal Fall Footbridge
Distance: 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round trip
Elevation gain: 400 ft (120 m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-1.5 hours

Top of Vernal Fall
Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 1000 ft (300 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 3 hours

Top of Nevada Fall
Distance: 5.4 mi (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 2000 ft (610 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5-6 hours

You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See the map, profile, and description below for more information.

All begin at: Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16)

This very popular hike originates near Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley (shuttle stop #16). The John Muir and Mist Trails offer spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley. This first paved mile of trail is busiest and accesses the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Almost entirely uphill, you can appreciate views along the way, and during spring, when the water levels are at their peak, you can also glimpse Nevada Fall from this first section of trail.

You’ll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge at 0.8 miles (1.3 km). About 0.2 miles (0.3 km) beyond the bridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 miles (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!). You will delight in views of Vernal Fall all along this stretch of trail and may even be able to see a rainbow in the spray of the fall. At the top of Vernal Fall, you can experience jaw-dropping views straight down the length of the 317-foot waterfall (please don’t cross the railings and use extreme caution while you’re near any flowing water or wet rock in this area).

From this point, you can: choose to turn around and head back the way you came; continue up to the next junction (about 0.2 miles / 0.3 km) and take the longer route back via the John Muir Trail; or continue uphill on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. If you choose to continue on the Mist Trail, shortly beyond Vernal Fall, you will pass by Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Both of these look may look inviting on a hot summer’s day, but it is illegal and dangerous to swim here due to the extremely hazardous current.

Continuing along the Mist Trail, you’ll experience another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of steep, rocky switchbacks in order to reach Nevada Fall. Crashing down 594 feet, this thunderous waterfall is fullest in spring and early summer, and you will find terrific photographic opportunities along this stretch of trail. At the top of the climb, head right to reach the footbridge that crosses the Merced River above the fall, allowing you a closer view of it. Use extreme caution while you’re near any flowing water or wet rock in this area.

From here, you can either return down the Mist Trail, or continue over the bridge to the John Muir Trail for an alternate route back to Yosemite Valley. If you choose the John Muir Trail, you will enjoy different scenery, with great views of Liberty Cap and different views of Nevada Fall. The John Muir Trail is longer—approximately 4 miles one-way compared to the Mist Trail’s 2.5 miles (4 km)—so plan accordingly.

Some hikers may be continuing from the top of Nevada Fall to hike to Half Dome or elsewhere in Yosemite’s wilderness.

Seasonality

You can hike to both waterfalls all year. However, in winter, there is a specific route that remains open while some sections of trail are closed. The lower portion of the Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock. The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy conditions. Keep in mind that the sections of trail that remain open in the winter may be very icy and/or snowy. View current conditions for trail closures and view historical opening and closing dates for this trail.

View a trail profile and map of the winter route to the top of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

Vernal Fall Footbridge
Distance: 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round trip
Elevation gain: 400 ft (120 m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-1.5 hours

Top of Vernal Fall
Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 1000 ft (300 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 3 hours

Top of Nevada Fall
Distance: 5.4 mi (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 2000 ft (610 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5-6 hours

You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See the map, profile, and description below for more information.

All begin at: Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16)

This very popular hike originates near Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley (shuttle stop #16). The John Muir and Mist Trails offer spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley. This first paved mile of trail is busiest and accesses the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Almost entirely uphill, you can appreciate views along the way, and during spring, when the water levels are at their peak.

You’ll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge at 0.8 miles (1.3 km). About 0.2 miles (0.3 km) beyond the bridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 miles (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!). You will delight in views of Vernal Fall all along this stretch of trail and may even be able to see a rainbow in the spray of the fall. At the top of Vernal Fall, you can experience jaw-dropping views straight down the length of the 317-foot waterfall (please don’t cross the railings and use extreme caution while you’re near any flowing water or wet rock in this area).

From this point, you can: choose to turn around and head back the way you came; continue up to the next junction (about 0.2 miles / 0.3 km) and take the longer route back via the John Muir Trail; or continue uphill on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. If you choose to continue on the Mist Trail, shortly beyond Vernal Fall, you will pass by Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Both of these look may look inviting on a hot summer’s day, but it is illegal and dangerous to swim here due to the extremely hazardous current.

Continuing along the Mist Trail, you’ll experience another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of steep, rocky switchbacks in order to reach Nevada Fall. Crashing down 594 feet, this thunderous waterfall is fullest in spring and early summer, and you will find terrific photographic opportunities along this stretch of trail. At the top of the climb, head right to reach the footbridge that crosses the Merced River above the fall, allowing you a closer view of it. Use extreme caution while you’re near any flowing water or wet rock in this area.

From here, you can either return down the Mist Trail, or continue over the bridge to the John Muir Trail for an alternate route back to Yosemite Valley. If you choose the John Muir Trail, you will enjoy different scenery, with great views of Liberty Cap and different views of Nevada Fall. The John Muir Trail is longer—approximately 4 miles one-way compared to the Mist Trail’s 2.5 miles (4 km)—so plan accordingly.

Some hikers may be continuing from the top of Nevada Fall to hike to Half Dome or elsewhere in Yosemite’s wilderness.

Seasonality

You can hike to both waterfalls all year. However, in winter, there is a specific route that remains open while some sections of trail are closed. The lower portion of the Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock. The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy conditions. Keep in mind that the sections of trail that remain open in the winter may be very icy and/or snowy. View current conditions for trail closures and view historical opening and closing dates for this trail.

View a trail profile and map of the winter route to the top of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward

Throw Back Thursday *Let My Soul Fly*

Looking for the Light6 Comments

I’m sending you health and happiness. Get lost in music, get your feet moving and GET GROVE ON. 

Wild Horses remind me of unpleasant times in life, yet tied to my soul. I’m a Survivor, it’s nice to remember. Wild Horses reminds me how far I’ve come.   XxM

Fun · Moving Forward

Yosemite National Park: Half Dome

Looking for the Light6 Comments

 

267_edited-15jpeg

Wild Wild West by Melinda

https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=6F8A61D7-E3B5-F2FD-0E7E5921833F1954

The summit of Half Dome is a dangerous place during a lightning storm. Check the weather forecast before your hike and try to reach the summit early in the day to avoid thunderstorms, which are more common in the afternoon (but can occur at any time). If a storm appears nearby, do not continue to the summit and, if in the summit area, leave the area (while still using caution when descending the cables and steps).

The summit is typically 15°F (8°C) to 20°F (11°C) cooler than Yosemite Valley and windy conditions are common. Be prepared for cool temperatures and rain showers.

Black bears frequent Yosemite’s Wilderness and are adept at grabbing backpacks from hikers and campers–during both day and night. Always keep your food within arm’s reach (or on your back); never leave it unattended. If you see a bear, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear.

Squirrels, Steller’s jays, chipmunks, and other animals also live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the cables or while you take a swim or nap). Keep wildlife wild: respect them from a distance.

Improper food storage and feeding of wildlife may result in a fine (up to $5,000).

Xx M

Moving Forward

You can’t contract HIV from:

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

mommak1977's avatarmommak1977

  • Donating Blood
  • Casual contact such as touching, holding hands, hugging
  • A cough, sneeze, tears, or sweat
  • An animal or insect bite
  • A toilet seat
  • From the hot tub or swimming pool


You can, however, get it these ways:

  • Unprotected sex of any kind
  • Sharing drug needles
  • May pass to a child during pregnancy or delivery
  • Blood transfusions, especially if it was before 1985


Symptoms of Infection are: fatigue, loss of appetite,chronic diarrhea,weight loss,a persistent dry cough,fever,night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes

View original post

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Throw Back Thursday: Triple Shot *Queen Anthems of my younger self*

Looking for the Light9 Comments

I spent a year in bad girl boarding school, many of us tried to dig out anyway possible. To dig out of our trauma, we wouldn’t let our scars get in the way. We wanted a different life, a new positive perspective. I was 13-14 years old some girls close to 17-19 years old. Most every one starts as the new kid in town, I don’t play that game. Everything works fine when you hold the cards.I never had my ass kicked and only hurt one person. She gave my best friend the razor blade, I got the nod from staff person and I beat her badly. I never ran away, never help anyone to leave, and no way did I help someone kill themselves. Enough pleasantries. I’ve come along way since the punk kid.

Freddie created Rock Drama and had a wicked sense of humor. Let’s sing for Freddie, if you dress up for the show, you get extra credit, send me a photo and there’s no telling the extra perks you get. Freddie was a true showman.  Xx  M

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Thank You For Love And Prayers

Looking for the Light7 Comments

Chronic Lyme has invaded my brain, emotions and bodies ability to move without tremendous pain. I’m blessed to have pain meds and others to provide comfort. Not being to walking is depressing. I wanted to thank you and Twitter buddies for your love, prayers and awesome videos sent my way.

I love James Brown, his grove is infectious. “I Feel Good” video is my fake it till you make it  positive thinking. The second, well just to see his grove! The man can dance. Both made me smile and you make me smile brighter. Without a doubt better days are ahead. God has my path planned out. Xx Melinda

Moving Forward

I’m moving on

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Truth in words, I see your truth and never take our friendship for granted

The words hit me deep inside, my dear friend is comfortable talking about her difficulties and better at picking the right song to express her pain. Please stop by http://www.fromthedarkintothelight42@wordpress.com and always proud to say she writes for Survivors Blog Here. She would love to here from you.  Xx  M

 

Moving Forward

Conversation: Autism and Bullying

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Our friendship began on Twitter, She’s a lovely women. We talked most days about James Bay, she helped James while he was on tour. We are both addicted to JB!  We always had videos or photos to share.

Her son was beaten terribly by another Autistic boy in his class. It was heart breaking to hear the school didn’t even call her. She found out when he came home from school, devastated, he was closed off, barely spoke. A fight broke out in the cafeteria, another Autistic boy beat her son so badly he came home and left hospital in a full leg brace, broken ankle, bruises all over his body from being kicked repeatedly. I have to add the bully was known for violence.

She hired a lawyer, the school had not taken action. She was allowed watch the video of the fight, tears flowing, hands shaking, she was in a state of shock. She is brave enough to say her son will not return to school until an investigation is completed.  A complete investigation should bring the truth to the surface, it’s all on tape!  I believe other parents are concerned about their children.

Every school must have an escalation plan, teachers and school administration are taught, “How to see trouble starting” I believe the monitors are accountable for their lack of action. Bottom line, School Administration is responsible for all their employees.

I thought about how many blog about their very personal experiences on WordPress. I believe you want to hear her story.

What do you feel about hearing and watching her story?

 I want everyone to chime in. Everyone has a voice !

Growing up in TEXAS! If kids were hanging in large groups with more coming, it was an obvious signal, a kick ass is going down, nobody said a word. It was code, a simple code teachers often misread. I want to share more of her story, most important is protecting her family’s privacy. If she allows me to write follow-up post, I think you would want to hear how the investigation goes and what changes are made.  Xx  Melinda

http://wtkr.com/2016/10/04/perceived-horse-play-leaves-autistic-student-with-fractured-ankle-body-bruises/

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward · Survivor

Bridalveil Falls Yosemite National Park

Looking for the Light2 Comments

243-1

Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Fall (620 feet)
Flows: all year, with peak flow in May.

This is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow.

You can see Bridalveil Fall from near the tunnels on the Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) and from a signed parking lot on your way into Yosemite Valley. You can walk to the base via a short but steep (up to 24% slope) trail in just a few minutes.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

:)  M

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Why do soldiers fight and die for America.

Looking for the Light2 Comments

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward · Survivor

I Want A Story of My Life

Looking for the Light9 Comments

Dedicated to S

One life long friend I can turn to in good and bad times. I’m hurting, I’m sharing my pain with you. Music always fills me, Harry must be my healer today. To funny!!

I know, you know, I know?  What do you know, I don’t know?

Xx  Melinda

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward · Survivor

How Many People Can Fit In A Van?

Looking for the Light3 Comments

I found a way to celebrate my followers, looking beyond post into their personal life. I look forward to learning knowing more. No follower is safe! No Opt Out!

Bloggers have followers who bring sunshine with every comment, conversation.Van gives me the blessing every time we have a conversation. Not all conversations are funny as a toad. That’s Texan speak if you didn’t understand the reference.

Please give a Huge welcome to Van By The River.   http://www.vanbytheriver.wordpress.com

Here are answers to the questions “only Van” could answer while laughing along with us.

 “First job was as a soda jerk at a local pharmacy. I dipped ice cream, served soft drinks and infrared sandwiches (pre-Microwave). I was 15 and it was a local teen hangout…so, it was fun.”

“Favorite job was probably the one I retired from. Hotel sales manager, but I started on the front desk.I loved the interaction with all kinds of folks, mostly travelers, mostly happy to be there. Maybe the best part was that I left it all there “at the office”. I never had that before, and it was a treat. My other career choices, especially teaching, required a lot of my personal time.”

“Van by the River came because of my affection for the Matt Foley character, always a favorite. It seemed to fit in many ways. I have always lived near water, mostly rivers, but not in a van. His character was a motivational speaker, which was always a dream job for me. My kids knew of my love for SNL characters, and the cartoon van on my avatar came from a t-shirt they gifted me.”

“This is my first blog, but I have always written, kept journals, recorded thoughts and feelings, mostly for myself. I found WP through a piece written by a friend and was intrigued. The year my youngest sister died (2012), I decided to record some family history and transferred a few of those journal entries to the blog. I only posted a short time, and left it until September of 2014, where I came back to post more regularly. The blog started to get noticed when I used tags and categories for the first time.”

“My favorite recipes are the ones that have a story behind them, and I’ve posted about those a bit here on the blog. Clam chowder from a cancer- stricken friend, pie from a co-worker with a tragic history, peach kuchen from my first home economics class, my mother’s home-made pizza crust from a happier time, etc. I also have a lot of potluck recipes, party foods, etc. from a time when social life was going strong…those have sweet memories.”

“I read a lot of blogs, but I like the ones that are personal, where folks share their life story. I can spot a fake pretty easily, authenticity matters to me. I also like the ones that are creative, original, artistic, and most of all…with a sense of humor. I have to say…the shorter posts are my favorites. If it’s 800-1000 words, I’m not going there, usually.”

Here are a couple touching comments Van has left me.

“I was thinking about you M. when a story was featured recently about a young girl who was blessed during the Pope’s visit this past year. She has shown great improvement, some say miraculously since then. But, it turns out, the attention her case received got her additional medical scrutiny. She was actually suffering from Lyme, which had been mis-diagnosed by earlier doctors. Amazing. Hope you are doing well. 💕 Hugs”

“You are counted as in the van if in you leave a like or comment. I hope you enjoyed, more profiles/introductions are planed.”

Van has given me joy when I didn’t have any. She is 100% positive, if not, you need the wake up call. From my heart, there aren’t enough words to say how I value our friendship.

Lyme has taken a toll on my body, I can hardly walk. I have awesome followers, it’s taken longer to roll out introductions. I may walk slow but Lyme will not hold me down long. 

Xx Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

I Think Of You Every Second

Looking for the Light5 Comments

I’m grieving a life, a life taken to the sky. Why a country song hit me so hard, I don’t know. Does she like country music? The uncontrollable tears may come from God, being there for me, when the pain doesn’t end. The tears maybe the first of many. I did not ask for promises. I shared the challenges of my mental illness, praying you would not feel alone in your pain. Being real but hoping to empower, no-one can make someone change their plan, only they can. I start praying, please God take her in your arms, show her how love feels, please make her journey beyond earth the greatest years of her life.

I will miss you, I’m scared, please answer my email today. My heart is bleeding, all I need is to know you’re alive. God will always have your back and never stops loving you.

This rendition was updated to celebrate 50 years of Country Music Awards (CMA). Beautiful song, it’s impossible to not appreciate the talent and their voices together.

I will always love you. By the One and only Dolly

Melinda

Moving Forward

He Named The Posts: Let’s Stop Calling It Mental Illness

Looking for the Light17 Comments
madeira
CLOSED DOOR CLOSED MIND 

 In 11 years of Blogging, I can’t recall a time going flip out, full rant on anyone. Today changed everything. We are all due our opinion, we live in the great country of America. People have the same right to voice an opposing view. It’s important my friends and followers know what I will fight for and what my true passions are. Mental Health is on top of the list, I advocate, help anyone who ask, manage my own mental health on a daily basis. I returned home late last night from D.C. and pretty tired today, I could have read the post wrong. Here are a few comments by someone who knows nothing about mental illness. Xx  M

*So why then are we still calling these very physical and real illnesses “mental illness”?*

*So why when someone has an illness in their brain, do we call it a mental illness?*

 My thoughts on post

While I agree on some points, you are way off base speaking on mental illness. No longer saying someone has a mental illness? WOW!! Mental illness is a serious illness the same as cancer, losing a limb or going blind. First Cancer has no cure, you want to just say oh, there sick? Instead of calling someone an amputee, oh they lost their leg, this person sufferers from endless pain battling their brain, the good and the worst.

When someone is in a dark depression and wants to kill themselves, oh, they had a bad day. They don’t have an illness. I usually don’t reply to you because you seem to like getting people worked up. I draw my line at mental illness, I don’t know anyone who says I deserve more treatment than the next illness because I have a mental illness. Are all people with mental illness living the best like possible, hell no, nor are other with or without a flu or long-term illness. Mental illness is a dysfunction of the brain, there are several categories/symptoms that help doctors diagnosis and work to find the right mix of medication. I’m 52, diagnosed at 19 years old, I’ve stayed in a Psychiatric Hospital to prevent me from killing myself, on more than one occasion. My depression can get so bad I can’t function in reality and need ECT to reset my brain. I’ve had 20 ECT Treatments, if you lookup what is involved and the risk, I think you would agree a very ill person would go through ECT. In 2005 the Vagus Nerve Stimulator was implanted in my chest, it looks like a pace maker, leads are attached to my right Vagus Nerve. Clinical Trials were promising, many saw relief very quickly, I was not one of those. I have taken responsibility for my illness, as I would any other illness I have like, Chronic Lyme Diseases.

Yes, I agree Medical company discriminate against people with mental illness and Lyme Disease when writing policies. One way Insurance companies screw patients over is benefiting from other organizations who determine in all their wisdom, this is the treatment and how long the person needs treatment. I’ll give you an example of Chronic Lyme, the CDC does not agree Chronic Lyme exists or the need for long-term treatment is not needed. The CDC says all Lyme cases can be cured in 4-6 weeks of antibiotics, 8 weeks at most. If the CDC takes the position of only short-term treatment is necessary, Medicare/Medicaid will only cover the recommendations of CDC. If Medicare/Medicare and other government agencies do not pay for long-term treatment, the insurance hop on the train, because it saves them money. They only pay what the CDC recommends if coverage at all.
My insurance company refused to pay anything towards treat meant except RX’s after co-pay just like other. I spent 9 months on IV Therapy, tons of meds and supplements, traveling to DC once a month while on IV’s. Each visit which included some IV supplies and meds. The cost per month $6,000 to $10,000 a month. We have spent over $100K to reach life beyond IV’s, the doctor is expecting 12-18 months to get well. Yes, I understand all to well how patients get fucked over. Mental Health is the same, you are covered but at a lesser rate. There are thousands of bloggers on WP with a mental illness, I can tell you for certain, they will not agree the name of our brain illness should go away. You get enough people on a committee who think shallow about what is and isn’t an illness and you’ll have every disease you don’t respect or understand on the take the name of illness way.
Blogs are open for everyone to speak their opinion, you’ve done that and now other bloggers have the right to disagree and let you know about. Maybe next time before throwing a thought out, you should do some research to understand others and their struggles. You of anyone else.
Reading the comments of followers are quite sad. Good day for you, they all agree