Only a few inches of snow--maybe 6 at most at the deepest spots--covered the trail, which was safe and open for passage.
In the distance, it was clear that despite the recent bounty, much more snow was needed; the higher peaks displayed only a sparse covering of snow. Despite the snow, only a cool breeze betrayed the season: instead of tea, we enjoyed lemonade with our lunch at the top.
Still, winter had arrived, and for at least a few hours we could enjoy its innocence: clean, white snow and bright sun, often taken for granted, but always a gift.
We returned to our car as the day's last light reflected off El Capitan. It would be a few months before we could return, and much would change, but much also fortunately would be the same.
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