There is a short window when the poppies in Hite Cove are ready for prime viewing and that window is wide open right now. Taking the drive and short hike to view them, along with several other wildflowers, is a must do each year for me. Oh, and we were visited by a talking newt!

We had crunchy snow under our feet in the morning, blue skies all day, views of snow covered mountains and the trail all to ourselves. What more can I say?

Seeing all of that water coming out of Stevenson Falls is something to behold but we had a big surprise when we saw the first diverse and colorful displays of wildflowers of the season!

We figured that if we were going to do some snowshoeing, we had better get out there to do it while we still had snow. Whether we wear snowshoes or hiking boots, the hike to Dewey Point has unbeatable views that look up into the Tenaya Canyon and beyond to see snow covered mountains!

After the latest snow, there was actually snow to snowshoe on so we thought we had better act fast to enjoy it, along with the amazing views of the snow covered mountains on the Merced Crest Trail.

Who knew that we could have a snowy hike so close by where the dogs could romp their way up the road and for us human members of their pack to see a lovely waterfall and icy formations along the creek?

We chose a hike close by where we had Giant Sequoias all to ourselves and our crazy dogs could stretch their legs. If you have never visited Nelder Grove, it is a small grove of Giant Sequoias, full of local history and relics from the logging that occurred in the 1880s.

Are you up for a hike to a series of waterfalls with a drop of about 690 feet, lined with snow and ice at the upper reaches?

This hike delivers a great workout, some of the best views into Yosemite Valley plus glimpses into the high country.

The official measurement at my weather station is 6.5 inches of snow and light snow is still lightly falling as I write this.