The mysterious Mt Watkins. Tucked back behind the more prominent features of Yosemite Valley. Standing opposite of Half Dome along the Tenaya Canyon, it has a character all its own. For generations, you see sketches and photos of this monolith in Yosemite without as much fanfare or notoriety as the others such as El Cap, Three Brothers, Sentinel Royal Arches, and Half Dome.
Quite some while ago, I remember being impressed by a woman who boarded a shuttle I was on to Tuolumne. She was ratted out from being in the wilderness for too long. Her gear and condition showed it. She was small but had to be in her 60’s or so. She was on the shuttle getting from point a to point b and it was entirely pleasing to be in such great company.
It appeared that she was getting the best of her time to live in a way to make up for what was lost. She seemed at peace, she was talkative and she made an impression. I didn’t get her name and I regret that.
Today my family and I trekked the 5-mile Tenaya Canyon loop in Yosemite. We are still in Yosemite and we will be here for a few days. Good time to be out and about among the rushing waters, the lakes, and birds of the air.
© 2026 James Austin. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
