SCHEDULE
September 8th, 2007
THIS IS THE TENTATIVE 2011 SCHEDULE – it subject to change pending weather or other factors, every year we have adjustments but this gives you an idea of what to expect.
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
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 18th, 2009
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 19th, 2009
This will be a solo day in the Valley for each guy to have some time alone with God, though pairing up required on some hikes, such as Upper Yosemite Falls. (Or beyond it to Yosemite Point!) You may be tired from Monday’s hike, so there are plenty of options in the Valley from level hikes, and even bike rentals – but the key is time with God, in the Word and prayer. (You will be provided to focused concepts for reflection to guide you each day.) We will regroup by early evening to head back to the Lodge for dinner.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Wednesday we will go on what I call “The Hike That Shall Not Be Named” (online anyway). It is the most amazing and beautiful hike in Yosemite, and I consider it the “hidden hike” 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 do 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! It will be a wonderful group hike on our third day, and it is our final full day together in Yosemite, so I’ll have some unique plans to make it special.
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
On this last and final day of Yosemite Summit we will head down to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, in Southern Yosemite for the morning for a final solo time. Those who are whipped out will be glad to know there is a shuttle ride they can take up to the museum and hike back down. Those most fit among us will attempt to make it to Wawona Point for a breath taking view to conclude their Summit. Most will simply hike around the maze of trails and enjoy the massive trees and find unique inspiration and receive a unique concluding message from God to conclude their week in Yosemite.
By early afternoon, we will enjoy lunch in the Valley, spend some time in the shops for some souvenirs, visit the Yosemite Chapel to reflect on our week together before we start the four hour drive back to Sacramento. (We will eat somewhere on the way home.)
I am excited to be going on my fourth 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!
