WildLink June 2025: Monache High School

The group entered the park through the south entrance and made their way to the National Environmental Science Center (NESC), NatureBridge’s new campus and a new location the group had never seen. There they unloaded the vehicles and met NESC site staff as well as their educators and backpacking guides. As the group settled into their cabins dinner was prepared by the NatureBridge chefs Trevor and Marcus. After dinner their educator Katie Smith led them through their first evening program over a fire, guiding them through their first GRANITE meeting of the week and including some reading from previous groups by reading some entries from WildLink’s group journal. 

Monday morning came and the group gathered for breakfast and then prepared for a day in Yosemite valley, gathering gear and exploring. Once everyone had all the layers, boots, tents, sleeping equipment, and food they needed for the next four days in the backcountry the group took some time to explore Yosemite Valley before heading back to the NESC and preparing for dinner. After everyone was full and warm their second educator and guide Sam Morse led the group through their second evening program around a fire, this time taking the time to have the group practice and become more confident on their fire building skills while bonding and collaborating with each other.

The big day arrived, everyone woke up Tuesday morning knowing that night they would be sleeping out in the woods. Gathering all their belongings and making sure nothing was left behind the group piled back into their vehicles, now equipped with all the gear and food for the next four days and made their way to the McGurk Meadow trail head. Once they arrived at the trail head, cell phones were left behind and adventure smiles were deployed. Everyone got on their packs, educators did one quick last check to make sure everyone was ready and they were off. 
 

The group was strong and committed to having a good time. They made easy work of some sections of the trail and took breaks in others. Before they knew it camp was within sight and the creek beside them was rushing full of life. They took some time to settle in and get the lay of the land before setting up camp. Before long all the tents were set up and the group was relaxing and getting to know each other. That first evening was a calm one, and the group was able to feel comfortable in the space they would be spending the next four nights at. The evening routine was set; dinner, a fire, and a GRANITE meeting. As the sun tucked behind the horizon and the temperature dropped the group moved closer to the fire and welcomed the stars on their first night out.

Wednesday morning was bright and the group made their way out of their tent slowly to have breakfast. Water was boiled, breakfast oatmeal was served and energy levels were restored. The group was met later that morning by two Yosemite Wilderness Patrol Rangers who spoke with the group about their roles in the park and the importance of protecting and preserving the natural resource. Once the Ranger and the group got to know each other a little better, they all got to work taking on a restoration project around the camping the group was staying at. The group was eager and very cohesive, working together efficiently to make easy work of illegal fire rings and trash around the campsite. 

Once the area was looking much better thanks to the guidance of the Rangers and the effort of the group, everyone sat down to have some lunch together and get to know each other some more. After lunch the Rangers had to get back to their other duties and said goodbye to the group wishing them a great rest of their time out. The group took a minute then came together again to plan their afternoon. Maps were pulled out and a short navigation course proceeded as the group looked over topographic maps together. Looking at maps the group found their own position and imagined what the rest of the park could be like. They also traced out the path to Dewey point, where they were headed for sunset later that day. Once everyone was up to speed with where they were and where they were going, they all prepared their small day packs with the essentials for that evening. A four mile round trip to Dewey Point was the objective for the evening and the timing was right to catch the sunset from Dewey point’s stunning view. The group made their way swiftly through the trail taking breaks here and there to observe their surroundings.

Dewey point delivered an amazing sunset, framed by dark clouds to the east and a playful sunset to the west. As the group took in the views of the valley they watched the sun paint Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls with its dramatic rays changing minute by minute. The group took advantage of their time at Dewey to reflect, journal, connect, and relax. Once the sun had hidden the group turned on their headlamps and made their way back to camp through the beautiful cool night. Back at camp, no time was wasted and like a choreographed dance everyone got through their night routine and made their way into their sleeping bags. 

Thursday came around and the perception of time blurred a bit more. It was as if everything had fallen away and all that existed was the people around them, the sky above, and the forest around them. After breakfast on Thursday the group began preparing for another day of moving, this time it would be a day on trail on their way to and from Taft Point. Everyone put together their day packs with enough water, snacks, and layers to be comfortable, fed, and hydrated throughout the day and they started on trail towards Taft. The group had all day to hike out to Taft Point and they took advantage of that, taking their time and making the best of it. Taft point was punctuated by a tuna, cheese, and pretzel lunch to accompany the views and the group cohesiveness flowed seamlessly. The group took in the view one last time before heading back to camp for dinner and another night around the fire. 

Friday came with bright blue skies and lofty white clouds. The group packed up camp and headed towards the trail head, recognizing the trail they had hiked in on and feeling like it had been ages ago. Once at the trail head gear was sorted and everyone was ready to pile into vehicles one last time. But one more stop took the group to Glacier Point where civilization seemed to return. People were everywhere and indoor toilets were available, yet not as appealing as they once were. The Glacier Point store was a welcomed stop where ice cream and beverages tasted better than they ever have. Looking over the valley one last time and realizing it was the end of their trip the group took it all in one last time and shared stories and appreciations. Getting back on the road with aching feet and nourished souls the group made their way back home knowing a piece of Yosemite was with them.