On Sunday morning, we started a bit early, as we had brunch reservation waiting for us. But before that, we needed to earn our brunch with a more difficult hike to Vernal Falls. Vernal Falls is about 3 miles with ~1000 ft gain in elevation. From the trail head to the bridge to see the Vernal Falls, the path is paved. The incline made up the difference. From the bridge upward, it is dirt path but well marked. There were plenty other people joining us. We had a time constraint so we couldn’t be too leisurely. Marsh and Michele were, no surprise, ahead of the two of us. The last part of the trail is wet from the splashes of the falls. We made it up to the final portion when the trail got too wet for my tennis shoes. I did not prepare well for this weekend trip, thinking my tennis shoes would be sufficient for the hike; I didn’t count on the amount of water during this time of the year. Next time, I will bring my real hiking shoes!!!Yes, the hike was worth the brunch. Or is it the other way around? The brunch was worth the hike. Hard to say…
The brunch is a buffet set up in a big wide open beam hall. Service is excellent. Obviously there is abundance of food, salad, cold plate, pasta, egg dishes, sushi, seafood, meat, and most of all is the impressive dessert selection. I did a couple rounds of other selections before focusing on the dessert. Oh, yes, I enjoyed the mini cream puffs and the cream burlee!!! And so did Michele. She had 4 of the little cream burlee all by herself…
After stuffing ourselves full, we found a quiet spot at the Awahnee to play Mah Jong. Michele brought along the Rudenko family Mah Jong game set, made of ivory and bamboo, indeed, a very nice set! I have not played this game for a long time, at least 10 years. Before we came on this trip, Tom explained to me how Michele ALWAYS win the game, as long as he can remember! So I had very low expectation for us against the master. We didn’t do too badly at all! We played nightly the entire weekend. And there is one trait I learned about the Rudenko. When they win, they make this big show, like they are at the top of the world. It is so funny to watch their expressions!!!!In the late afternoon, we needed to stretch our legs a bit more with a walk to the Yosemite Lower falls. I love all the trees around there, and couldn’t resist taking tons of photos!!!
And for the Lower falls, up close and personal, not disappointing at all with what nature planted. On the return trip, we timed for the perfect sunset spotlight onto the Valley Fall at the tunnel view.
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