Description: It was the core of Yosemite National Park and where shuttle services intersected. Southside Drive (one-way) takes you to Yosemite Chapel, Ahwahnee Hotel, and the medical clinic. In the heart of Yosemite Village, there was a village store bustling with activity during the daytime that offers raw, frozen, and cooked foods for campers and visitors. Also, it sells mementos like mugs, T-shirts, and lots of other interesting gifts embellished with YNP's logo.
An afternoon repose in the village restored me to a further hike. Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead was located on west of the village along Northside Drive (one-way). After entering the trail for 5 minutes, the air turned chill and tiny water droplets began flying all over the place. From the trickling of the falls to boisterous roars, I knew I was creeping closer. Near to the fall, the once-dry grassy land was transformed to being waterlogged and the trail was harder to maneuver on. Water levels were anklet-deep and the ground was soggy.
Before getting onto a bridge across Yosemite Creek, there were "people jams," some hesitating whether or not to cross the drenched bridge, while others were getting prepped. The bridge was wettest, as it faced Lower Yosemite Fall directly. Immeasurable sprays of water droplets flung onto it, and it was like experiencing a thunderstorm. But the bridge was a perfect standpoint to view the falls.
Dashing across the bridge, I stomped over puddles of water, and the gusty wind blowing in my direction aggravated the conditions. By the time I reached the other side of the bridge, I was half-drenched, though I never stopped at the bridge for a second. Most people were standing on public benches while taking the shots, as the ground was almost inundated. I followed suit and only managed to capture the side view of Lower Yosemite Fall.
Now, back to where I had come from. Once again, I had to cross over the bridge. Yosemite Creek was roiling and surging below me. White water was gushing down the stream and created tiny whirlpools. It was so captivating that I could not resist firing off a few frames of it. My back facing the falls to protect my non-water-proofed camera, I took the rapid. Momentarily, I had forgotten about the wetness beating on me. When back on dry land, I realized I was totally drenched.
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