Once again, Dave and I made our pilgrimage to Mono/Parker Pass. The trail to Mono Pass gains only 1000 feet of elevation in four miles (much easier than going up through Bloody Canyon). Old trails can be seen on either side of the main trail, these are remnants of the paths miners and packers took in the late 19th century. A ghost town of deserted mining cabins can be seen upon arrival at Mono Pass directly above Dana Meadows. Many have been restored by the Park Service. Before the advent of miners, Paiute Indians from the east and Ahwahneechees from Yosemite Valley used Mono Pass as a trading route. Obsidian (volcanic glass) chips, dropped by Indians traveling their trading route, still maybe found in the sand along the trail. We didn't take Beau this time due to his arthritis and we went through Yosemite Nat'l Park - no dogs allowed on trails.

While the rest of the state was suffering from heat wave, we were enjoying the low 70s cool weather up at close to 11,000ft - ahhh...that's a high country delight. As usual...the place was deserted. It was perfect!