It was a sunny warm fall day in October when we began our ascent from Lee Vining and Mono Lake. Tioga Pass is a spectacular road into Yosemite  from the east. When the winter snows arrive, it is closed until spring.  At the summit, we passed through the Ranger Gate to Yosemite.




We passed Tuolumne Meadows and Lake Tenaya on our way to Olmsted Point .. There is a parking area and an easy hike out to a location where you can see Half Dome. The point is a great example of glacial polish of the granite rock leaving boulders behind.



I wanted to get a glimps of Half Dome from this vantage point.  Below is the view from the Point.



 This metal sign (below) indicates that there is a trail from this area down to Yosemite Valley.



The trail takes a route through Tenaya Canyon,  After reading the map (shown below) and the words, "extremly dangerous," I decide against risking my life on a dubious trail. 



As I return to the parking area, the clouds continue to grow and darken. They are moving steadily over Half Dome and coming closer to my location. Time to find shelter.





"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease." John Muir




Thunder begins to rumble more frequently and each time it gets a bit louder.



Safely inside the car, large raindrops and hail stones begin to pelt the windshield. The storm us upon us