Half Dome from a raft
on the Merced.

When "g" Hikers entered the bustling world of Little Yosemite Valley, they were at least 30 minutes too early for Kate's arrival. And, yet... it was "s" who spotted her mom (thankfully, early as usual) in the rented van about 300 yards down the road. (How could she see that far?)

With pack and all, "s" ran down the sidewalk calling, "Mom! Mom!"

Within minutes, "k" had pulled temporarily into a handicapped parking spot (it's a long story...) and they were reunited. "g" Hikers were bursting at the seams with stories of their trip; "k" had stories of arson just beyond the Yosemite gate, thick smoke that filled the valley to the point where she couldn't see Half Dome (or anything else), the 3 books she read while luxuriating at the Wowana, and on and on...

So the big surprise... "g" Family couldn't check into the Yosemite Lodge until 4:00 PM... so "k" proposed they rent a raft and mosey 3-miles down the Merced and hang out in the river for the afternoon! Things just got more-better!