It’s an early 6:00 AM rise, and I’m already hiking at a fast pace to beat the crowds to Half Dome. My eyes are still waking up to the idea, and I find myself suddenly wishing I were more physically prepared. I’m accompanied by my good friend, John DeGrazio—a Yosemite naturalist and guide—and a New York couple with big heavy packs and brand new gear, gators and all. The woman turns to John and whispers, “Is she going to make it?” referring to my tiny daypack and tank top attire. John laughs and whispers back, “Oh yeah, she’ll rock it!” I stop to take a quick photo of a chipmunk posing on a rock while the couple searches for sunscreen, John urges us onwards.

Nearing Vernal Falls on the mist trail, I put on rain gear for the next half mile. It’s almost June, which means the waterfalls are full and showering the path ahead. The trail’s elevation increases as we begin to encounter a series of switchbacks. Stopping momentarily for a bathroom break above Nevada Falls, I filter drinking water from the Merced River using John’s pump. “Not much further,” John promises.
 

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Written by Lauren de Remer

O.A.R.S.' Marketing Communications Coordinator & Waterblogged Editor

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Waterblogged Readers:

I’ve been writing and editing this blog for three years, (an eternity in the internet business). It’s time to move on and allow other voices to share their enthusiasm for the world’s waterways. I will focus my writing and photography skills elsewhere.

I created this space for O.A.R.S. as a way to reach out to guests and potential adventurers to share vacation ideas, travel tips, environmental news, and maybe brag a wee bit about this eco-conscious adventure travel company along the way. Waterblogged has taken us from California’s Tuolumne River, which is literally up the road from my home and office, to the white sand beaches of Fiji, to glacial-carved rivers in Alaska and into the depths of the Grand Canyon.

I’d like to thank George Wendt for following his dream of sharing wild places, as well as preserving and protecting them. And I’d like to thank you, dear readers, for following along.

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Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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You may now incorporate a day or two of bicycling at the beginning or end of your Grand Canyon rafting trip. According to a recent Associate Press article, a bicycle rental program has been added at Grand Canyon National Park. The National Park Service issued a commercial use permit to Bright Angel Bicycles LLC for the rental program. Guided tours also will be offered. Park Superintendent Steve Martin says bicycling is a good way for visitors to experience the park’s popular South Rim, which has bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Bicyclists won’t have to contend with private vehicle traffic in some areas.

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Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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