A couple of hikers getting pounded by mist from the base of Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail. It had actually quit raining at this point, but the Merced River was still overflowing from the previous night's rain. Peak stream flow at Happy Isles was recorded mid-day at 5,680 cubic feet per second, compared to a median peak of 2,720 cfs from 1916-2008.
This was the last place I could take my camera out until near the top of the falls. The spray came from every direction, up/down/sideways. Just a few steps further along it was so strong even keeping your eyes open was difficult.
May 16, 2005