SCHEDULE
September 15th, 2011
The 2012 Schedule will not be updated until Spring 2012 – However, below is the tentative plan as it stands now. However, it subject to change pending weather or other factors, every year we have adjustments but this gives you an idea of what to expect.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
This is the day you should plan to arrive – best to arrive morning to mid-afternoon if possible. If you arrive late you may need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel.
Sunday, May 20th, 2012
7am Hit the Road!
We have breakfast at the hotel in Sacramento early and then hit the road. We make one stop in Stockton for snacks and final supplies, and then have lunch at the Iron Door Salon in Groveland, an interesting as well as historical stop before our final drive into Yosemite Valley. We will tour the Valley stopping for Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Falls before heading up for Tunnel View where we will stop for a short hike up toward Inspiration Point. (not all the way, just a ways for a good view of the Valley) I want us to have a nice relaxing evening in preparation for an early start and a long hike on Monday.
Monday, May 21st, 2012
Sunrise at Glacier Point and the Panorama Trail. This will be a spectacular all day hike that will start out in pitch black darkness at one of the most spectacular views in all of Yosemite, Glacier Point. Then we will begin our all day hike along the Panorama Trail, which leads to Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall along The Mist Trail – we may detour along the John Muir Trail from Nevada Fall, stopping for some relaxing time at the spectacular Clark’s Point for some devotional time and then go down via the Vernal Fall route to hit the Mist Trail that way. It will depend on our time.
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
The focus of Tuesday is solo time, though we will break into pairs for safety – but even the pairs will allow space for solitude and just keep track of where each other are. This will be a day for each guy to have some time alone with God. I’m planning to have an Upper Ridge group, and a Valley group. I’ll lead the Upper Ridge group, for those who are up for another all day hike and want to see Taft Point and then follow the Pohono Trail to Sentinel Dome. This is a moderate, but all day hike.
The other group made up of those who are up for both the more adventurous hikes such as Upper Yosemite Falls. (Or beyond it to Yosemite Point!) or who may be tired from Monday’s hike, will head to the Valley where there are plenty of options for level hikes, and even bike rentals. But whatever is chosen, the key is time with God, in the Word and prayer. (You will be provided with focused concepts for reflection to guide you each day.) We will regroup by evening to head back to the Lodge for dinner.
Those who are not up for long hikes every day, or are not in top physical condition, should consider the Valley tour and spend some time resting and reading/praying without hiking all day, since the following day involves more uphill hiking. However, the destinations on the Upper Ridge are spectacular. And worth the extra effort.
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 – NEW HIKE IN 2012
One Wednesday I like to plan a new hike each year, usually one that is unknown that I refer to online as a “Hike That Shall Not Be Named” so as to keep them private from the general public. The one we did last year was the the most amazing and beautiful hikes in Yosemite, one I consider one of the rare “hidden hikes” because few know about it, and so it is not populated by tourists, but it would be if word got out. That is why I will not name the hike on this website – it is perfect for solitude, but it provides incredible views of waterfalls, mountains, amazing vistas and an ultimate destination that is… well, I must say no more, I don’t want to give too many clues! (I will happily tell it to personal friends, however, just ask.) It was a wonderful group hike on our third day, and it is was final full day together in Yosemite. Likewise, I’ll have some unique plans to make this third day special in 2012. I do a lot of research and have something in mind for next year that should be pretty special as well.
Thursday, May 24th, 2011
Our final day will end with a meaningful hike that will bring our unique week to a fitting conclusion in a way that will be memorable and then after a visit to the Yosemite Chapel we will close in prayer and sharing and officially bring the retreat to a close.
We will then enjoy lunch in the Valley, spend some time in the shops for some souvenirs, before we start the four hour drive back to Sacramento. (We will eat somewhere on the way home.)
Friday, May 25th, 2011
You should book your flight home for Friday. If it is morning I can give you a ride to the airport. (Super early, you will need to book a shuttle.) Later afternoon you will need to either hang out at the airport or book a shuttle as after the morning run, I will need to return the rental vehicle.
I am excited to be going on my fifth Yosemite Summit and to be soon meeting the guys God brought together for this event. He always does unique things on this retreat… this will be no exception!