Hetch Hetchy 2005

Hetch Hetchy Panorama from Smith Peak -- David and Bex took this photo from the summit of Smith Peak, just south of Hetch Hetchy. The photo was taken the week before our hike. It showed us t ...

2009-02-21T19:05:23Z

Frank Farmer
Hetch Hetchy Panorama from Smith Peak -- David and Bex took this photo from the summit of Smith Peak, just south of Hetch Hetchy. The photo was taken the week before our hike. It showed us t ...

Trip map. THe red portion is on-trail, and the yellow is X-C.

2009-02-21T19:10:33Z

Frank Farmer
Trip map. THe red portion is on-trail, and the yellow is X-C.

Hetch Hetchy Panorama, from the southwestern shore -- Tueeulala Falls (left) and Wapama Falls (right) are visible. We'll be hiking above the canyon. Would we be able to ford those creeks? Th ...

2009-02-21T19:09:23Z

Frank Farmer
Hetch Hetchy Panorama, from the southwestern shore -- Tueeulala Falls (left) and Wapama Falls (right) are visible. We'll be hiking above the canyon. Would we be able to ford those creeks? Th ...

Kolana Rock -- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is on the Tuolumne River, in Yosemite National Park.

2009-02-21T19:07:52Z

Frank Farmer
Kolana Rock -- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is on the Tuolumne River, in Yosemite National Park.

Tueeulala Falls -- The Beehive Trail climbs the canyon wall to the left of these falls, just out of view.

2009-02-21T19:08:11Z

Frank Farmer
Tueeulala Falls -- The Beehive Trail climbs the canyon wall to the left of these falls, just out of view.

Wapama Falls -- Fed by Falls Creek, which drains all the way to the Sierra Crest.

2009-02-21T19:06:10Z

Frank Farmer
Wapama Falls -- Fed by Falls Creek, which drains all the way to the Sierra Crest.

First, let's tour the O'Shaughnessy Dam -- This bouy line keeps debris out of the spillway. The reservoir has a lot of floating logs.

2009-02-21T19:07:59Z

Frank Farmer
First, let's tour the O'Shaughnessy Dam -- This bouy line keeps debris out of the spillway. The reservoir has a lot of floating logs.

O'Shaughnessy Dam, with the trail access tunnel on the opposite side. This lake is full to the brim.

2009-02-21T19:03:12Z

Frank Farmer
O'Shaughnessy Dam, with the trail access tunnel on the opposite side. This lake is full to the brim.

Water spurting through the spillway gates. I was impressed by the elegant symmetry of this scene. Tremendous water pressure.

2009-06-05T03:26:07Z

Frank Farmer
Water spurting through the spillway gates. I was impressed by the elegant symmetry of this scene. Tremendous water pressure.

Tueeulala and Wapama Falls, with the dam spillway in the foreground.

2009-02-21T19:03:12Z

Frank Farmer
Tueeulala and Wapama Falls, with the dam spillway in the foreground.

Powerful jets of water spurting through O'Shaughnessy Dam. The roar of the water jets and the river downstream was quite impressive.

2009-02-21T19:09:04Z

Frank Farmer
Powerful jets of water spurting through O'Shaughnessy Dam. The roar of the water jets and the river downstream was quite impressive.

Panorama of water jets and the downstream river channel

2009-02-21T19:06:35Z

Frank Farmer
Panorama of water jets and the downstream river channel

Panorama looking down at water jets and river channel

2009-02-21T19:07:21Z

Frank Farmer
Panorama looking down at water jets and river channel

Jason

2009-02-21T19:05:45Z

Frank Farmer
Jason

Frank (AKA Tiocampo)

2009-02-21T19:06:10Z

Frank Farmer
Frank (AKA Tiocampo)

O'Shaughnessy Dam dedication plaque

2009-02-21T19:07:10Z

Frank Farmer
O'Shaughnessy Dam dedication plaque

Hetch Hetchy panorama, from the dam

2009-02-21T19:05:04Z

Frank Farmer
Hetch Hetchy panorama, from the dam

Looking across the dam, toward the tunnel -- The top surface has some superficial erosion. The hum and vibration on the dam is quite impressive.

2009-02-21T19:04:10Z

Frank Farmer
Looking across the dam, toward the tunnel -- The top surface has some superficial erosion. The hum and vibration on the dam is quite impressive.

Another view of the water jets

2009-02-21T19:08:58Z

Frank Farmer
Another view of the water jets

Can't get enough of those water jets

2009-02-21T19:05:02Z

Frank Farmer
Can't get enough of those water jets

Swirling mists, downstream river channel

2009-02-21T19:04:41Z

Frank Farmer
Swirling mists, downstream river channel

Back at the trailhead backpacker's camp, the clouds are starting to break. Sunshine lights up a nearby peak.

2009-02-21T19:06:33Z

Frank Farmer
Back at the trailhead backpacker's camp, the clouds are starting to break. Sunshine lights up a nearby peak.

Our camp. The river channel is in the background. Jason's tent is closest, and mine is at the rear.

2009-02-21T19:09:39Z

Frank Farmer
Our camp. The river channel is in the background. Jason's tent is closest, and mine is at the rear.

Frank and Jason. It's Saturday morning. Ready to start hiking.

2009-02-21T19:10:32Z

Frank Farmer
Frank and Jason. It's Saturday morning. Ready to start hiking.

Jason -- He is a very experienced backpacker, with a very well organized equipment kit.

2009-02-21T19:05:42Z

Frank Farmer
Jason -- He is a very experienced backpacker, with a very well organized equipment kit.

Left rainbow

2009-02-21T19:06:20Z

Frank Farmer
Left rainbow

Right rainbow

2009-02-21T19:10:04Z

Frank Farmer
Right rainbow

About the only thing you can do here is go hiking!

2009-02-21T19:05:30Z

Frank Farmer
About the only thing you can do here is go hiking!

Tueeulala Falls, Wapama Falls -- Taken just past the access tunnel.

2009-06-05T03:28:05Z

Frank Farmer
Tueeulala Falls, Wapama Falls -- Taken just past the access tunnel.

Park Map, from a kiosk along the trail -- We'll be heading just north of the word "Wapama". We noted the "No Camping" zone, denoted with blue shading marks. Who needs an expensive ticket fin ...

2009-02-21T19:04:16Z

Frank Farmer
Park Map, from a kiosk along the trail -- We'll be heading just north of the word "Wapama". We noted the "No Camping" zone, denoted with blue shading marks. Who needs an expensive ticket fin ...

Small waterfalls were flowing all over the place

2009-02-21T19:06:09Z

Frank Farmer
Small waterfalls were flowing all over the place

Along the main trail

2009-02-21T19:07:48Z

Frank Farmer
Along the main trail

View of the dam, from the northwest shore

2009-06-05T01:51:16Z

Frank Farmer
View of the dam, from the northwest shore

Colorful newt. These little guys are found all over the place this year.

2009-02-21T19:08:18Z

Frank Farmer
Colorful newt. These little guys are found all over the place this year.

Park trail sign, denoting upstream destinations.

2009-06-05T03:13:23Z

Frank Farmer
Park trail sign, denoting upstream destinations.

Upstream trail. We left this trail, and headed toward Beehive

2009-02-21T19:08:37Z

Frank Farmer
Upstream trail. We left this trail, and headed toward Beehive

Our trail sign

2009-02-21T19:08:25Z

Frank Farmer
Our trail sign

Jason

2009-02-21T19:04:37Z

Frank Farmer
Jason

The view got more spectacular, as we climbed.

2009-02-21T19:04:18Z

Frank Farmer
The view got more spectacular, as we climbed.

O'Shaughnessy Dam

2009-02-21T19:05:10Z

Frank Farmer
O'Shaughnessy Dam

Impressive "Trident Tree"

2009-02-21T19:10:05Z

Frank Farmer
Impressive "Trident Tree"

Beginning our cross-country stretch. We've passed the junction for Cherry Lake and headed up towards Beehive a little more. The terrain opens up and the route to the east is pretty easy to f ...

2009-02-21T19:03:56Z

Frank Farmer
Beginning our cross-country stretch. We've passed the junction for Cherry Lake and headed up towards Beehive a little more. The terrain opens up and the route to the east is pretty easy to f ...

Some of the terrain we crossed. We had waypoints loaded into our GPS, for good measure.

2009-02-21T19:08:29Z

Frank Farmer
Some of the terrain we crossed. We had waypoints loaded into our GPS, for good measure.

Jason enjoyed this cross-country trek, as did I

2009-02-21T19:03:31Z

Frank Farmer
Jason enjoyed this cross-country trek, as did I

Lots of lupine and other wildflowers

2009-02-21T19:08:35Z

Frank Farmer
Lots of lupine and other wildflowers

Clearing at the edge of the canyon. Something told us there'd been a campout or party or two at that location, over the years.

2009-02-21T19:05:13Z

Frank Farmer
Clearing at the edge of the canyon. Something told us there'd been a campout or party or two at that location, over the years.

Looking toward Falls Creek -- That plateau in the center is Hetch Hetchy Dome. Would we be able to climb up there? It's just a walk-up, from the back, if you can get there.

2009-02-21T19:07:03Z

Frank Farmer
Looking toward Falls Creek -- That plateau in the center is Hetch Hetchy Dome. Would we be able to climb up there? It's just a walk-up, from the back, if you can get there.

Panorama of Smith Peak and Kolana Rock, across Hetch Hetchy Reservoir -- This is the opposite of David and Bex's panorama from Smith Peak

2009-02-21T19:03:54Z

Frank Farmer
Panorama of Smith Peak and Kolana Rock, across Hetch Hetchy Reservoir -- This is the opposite of David and Bex's panorama from Smith Peak

Approaching Tueeulala Creek

2009-02-21T19:04:40Z

Frank Farmer
Approaching Tueeulala Creek

Tueeulala Creek -- Fording this one would not be a problem. What about Falls Creek?

2009-02-21T19:09:13Z

Frank Farmer
Tueeulala Creek -- Fording this one would not be a problem. What about Falls Creek?

Tueeulala Creek

2009-02-21T19:03:09Z

Frank Farmer
Tueeulala Creek

Cozy little pool on Tueeulala Creek. This is the place to be on a hot day!

2009-02-21T19:06:49Z

Frank Farmer
Cozy little pool on Tueeulala Creek. This is the place to be on a hot day!

See the buck, peeking from behind the rock? He was in full view for a couple of minutes, as I fumbled to get the camera out. He hid as soon as I started taking pictures.

2009-02-21T19:06:46Z

Frank Farmer
See the buck, peeking from behind the rock? He was in full view for a couple of minutes, as I fumbled to get the camera out. He hid as soon as I started taking pictures.

Lupine-filled meadow

2009-06-05T03:29:11Z

Frank Farmer
Lupine-filled meadow

Mule's Ears Sunflower -- We spotted a lot of poison oak, along creeks and in thickets. The elevation here is about 5000', still in poison oak habitat

2009-06-05T03:25:20Z

Frank Farmer
Mule's Ears Sunflower -- We spotted a lot of poison oak, along creeks and in thickets. The elevation here is about 5000', still in poison oak habitat

Falls Creek -- This answers the question.

2009-06-05T03:12:04Z

Frank Farmer
Falls Creek -- This answers the question.

Attempting to ford Falls Creek can be summarized in two words ...

2009-02-21T19:10:04Z

Frank Farmer
Attempting to ford Falls Creek can be summarized in two words ...

Certain Death ... This spot is about five or ten minutes upstream of a ride over Wapama Falls.

2009-02-21T19:09:42Z

Frank Farmer
Certain Death ... This spot is about five or ten minutes upstream of a ride over Wapama Falls.

Deep, cold, swirling water.

2009-06-05T03:39:16Z

Frank Farmer
Deep, cold, swirling water.

A concrete structure along the creek shore. Is this for the lifeguards?

2009-06-05T03:17:13Z

Frank Farmer
A concrete structure along the creek shore. Is this for the lifeguards?

Looking upstream on Falls Creek

2009-06-05T03:19:47Z

Frank Farmer
Looking upstream on Falls Creek

We found an old steel cable strung across the creek

2009-02-21T19:06:11Z

Frank Farmer
We found an old steel cable strung across the creek

The cable was attached to this tree

2009-06-05T03:34:08Z

Frank Farmer
The cable was attached to this tree

Metal framing used with wooden seats on the cable crossing.

2009-06-05T03:26:48Z

Frank Farmer
Metal framing used with wooden seats on the cable crossing.

Old broken seats

2009-06-05T03:08:57Z

Frank Farmer
Old broken seats

This rock was formerly painted a green color, matching the seats. Any idea how long ago this cable ferry was in service?

2009-02-21T19:09:34Z

Frank Farmer
This rock was formerly painted a green color, matching the seats. Any idea how long ago this cable ferry was in service?

Steel cable extending across Falls Creek. We didn't feel up to a hand-over-hand crossing this afternoon.

2009-06-05T01:03:11Z

Frank Farmer
Steel cable extending across Falls Creek. We didn't feel up to a hand-over-hand crossing this afternoon.

Girdled tree, anchoring the cable crossing

2009-06-05T03:06:43Z

Frank Farmer
Girdled tree, anchoring the cable crossing

Panorama of Falls Creek -- We started climbing the small peak nearby, but ran into some cliffs. We decided to scout north along the creek, instead.

2009-06-05T03:30:05Z

Frank Farmer
Panorama of Falls Creek -- We started climbing the small peak nearby, but ran into some cliffs. We decided to scout north along the creek, instead.

Above our campsite, north and west of Falls Creek. We were pretty sure this was outside the no camping zone.

2009-06-05T03:21:59Z

Frank Farmer
Above our campsite, north and west of Falls Creek. We were pretty sure this was outside the no camping zone.

Looking toward Wapama Falls. Unfortunately, we didn't take the time to explore the falls precipice. Maybe next time.

2009-02-21T19:09:23Z

Frank Farmer
Looking toward Wapama Falls. Unfortunately, we didn't take the time to explore the falls precipice. Maybe next time.

Above Wapama Falls

2009-02-21T19:06:22Z

Frank Farmer
Above Wapama Falls

Jason leads the way as we hiked north a bit

2009-06-05T03:19:46Z

Frank Farmer
Jason leads the way as we hiked north a bit

Another impressive waterfall, upstream on Falls Creek

2009-06-05T01:47:52Z

Frank Farmer
Another impressive waterfall, upstream on Falls Creek

Jason

2009-06-05T03:17:09Z

Frank Farmer
Jason

Frank

2009-06-05T03:06:03Z

Frank Farmer
Frank

Waterfall -- One of many, on Falls Creek

2009-06-05T03:17:45Z

Frank Farmer
Waterfall -- One of many, on Falls Creek

Waterfall

2009-06-05T03:18:47Z

Frank Farmer
Waterfall

And you thought your job was hard -- We spotted this heroic bee, pollinating a flower in a stiff breeze

2009-06-05T03:32:16Z

Frank Farmer
And you thought your job was hard -- We spotted this heroic bee, pollinating a flower in a stiff breeze

Near our camp

2009-06-05T01:25:45Z

Frank Farmer
Near our camp

Campsite -- Mosquitos were present, but easily avoided on this trip.

2009-06-05T03:23:54Z

Frank Farmer
Campsite -- Mosquitos were present, but easily avoided on this trip.

Mule's Ear

2009-06-05T01:05:58Z

Frank Farmer
Mule's Ear

Jason taking a closeup

2009-06-05T03:18:08Z

Frank Farmer
Jason taking a closeup

It's now Sunday morning and we're back on the cross-country route, heading for the Beehive Trail. My camera was low on batteries, so I didn't take too many pictures on the return trip. We fo ...

2009-02-21T19:08:15Z

Frank Farmer
It's now Sunday morning and we're back on the cross-country route, heading for the Beehive Trail. My camera was low on batteries, so I didn't take too many pictures on the return trip. We fo ...

Hetch Hetchy trail sign. At the Cherry Lake junction on the Beehive Trail.

2009-06-05T03:20:08Z

Frank Farmer
Hetch Hetchy trail sign. At the Cherry Lake junction on the Beehive Trail.

Engineering works on the Beehive Trail, above Hetch Hetchy.

2009-06-05T03:32:55Z

Frank Farmer
Engineering works on the Beehive Trail, above Hetch Hetchy.

Engineered water channel.

2009-06-05T03:24:17Z

Frank Farmer
Engineered water channel.

Drill holes in the granite

2009-06-05T03:05:22Z

Frank Farmer
Drill holes in the granite

Tree-shaded trail -- It isn't hard to imagine a Model-T Ford driving up this road, heading for Cherry Lake.

2009-06-05T01:09:35Z

Frank Farmer
Tree-shaded trail -- It isn't hard to imagine a Model-T Ford driving up this road, heading for Cherry Lake.

Beehive Trail

2009-06-05T03:48:53Z

Frank Farmer
Beehive Trail

Patches of asphalt here and there. This stuff might be 75 or 80 years old.

2009-02-21T19:09:42Z

Frank Farmer
Patches of asphalt here and there. This stuff might be 75 or 80 years old.

Wooden trail bridge

2009-06-05T03:29:26Z

Frank Farmer
Wooden trail bridge

Granite steps leading to the wooden bridge

2009-06-05T03:10:14Z

Frank Farmer
Granite steps leading to the wooden bridge

Almost back to the lake

2009-06-05T01:40:13Z

Frank Farmer
Almost back to the lake

More patches of asphalt

2009-06-05T03:37:33Z

Frank Farmer
More patches of asphalt

Water running down the canyon side. We spotted a small rattlesnake a few minutes later, playing possum and hoping we wouldn't notice. After a couple of minutes, it scampered away to safety . ...

2009-06-05T03:34:50Z

Frank Farmer
Water running down the canyon side. We spotted a small rattlesnake a few minutes later, playing possum and hoping we wouldn't notice. After a couple of minutes, it scampered away to safety . ...

Inside the Hetch Hetchy access tunnel. Scooby Do, where are you? My camera ran out of battery here. I didn't realize it, and kept trying to take pictures, which almost fried my compact flash ...

2009-06-05T03:16:27Z

Frank Farmer
Inside the Hetch Hetchy access tunnel. Scooby Do, where are you? My camera ran out of battery here. I didn't realize it, and kept trying to take pictures, which almost fried my compact flash ...

Hetch Hetchy Painting -- My friend Jan Fetler used her artistic photo editing skills to produce this painting-like interpretation of Photo #39.

2009-06-05T05:58:53Z

Frank Farmer
Hetch Hetchy Painting -- My friend Jan Fetler used her artistic photo editing skills to produce this painting-like interpretation of Photo #39.