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Water crossings can present a huge problem for early season John Muir backpackers. Having watched countless YouTube videos showing some rather frightening river levels, we were wary of what might flow through the trail in our path. Unfortunately, (but lucky for us) California is experiencing a drought along with what was a low 2020/2021 snowfall year. Even Evolution Creek, which often presents a fast running, thigh-high obstacle, was only ankle deep. That was the only place we chose to take our shoes off due to the lack of large stepping stones.
Reg and I got pretty good at navigating rocks across waterways, but we were happy to see a number of bridges scattered along the trail. A few of them were much appreciated, even after the dry winter season.
Some bridges are built to last. 
Others are pretty rickety. 
Wallace Creek was one of our longer stone crossings. 
Garnet Lake foot bridge spans a plunging cascade below. 
Stepping stones all in a row. 
The swinging bridge over Woods Creek was like walking on a carnival Tilt-O-Whirl. 
What was Reg looking at? 
Another bridge allowed a safe crossing. 
Foot bridge above Nevada Falls in Yosemite.
While the water levels weren’t as high as we expected, the countless meadows remained surprisingly green and, in some cases, quite lush. We found them to be a relaxing contrast to the sharp angles of steep granite passes and rocky pathways.
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