What was special on this visit

The water levels. Even locals who had climbed here as little as two weeks ago said that they had not seen the water levels this high in many years. It was a powerful and spectacular exerience. This cresting of rivers and waterfalls will be shortlived. No more than two weeks, then it's back to lower levels, but still significantly higher than in previous years because of the strong rainy season we've had. So, if you can only do the Mist Trail as far as the bridge, you will see it the way few people will ever see it. Additionally, waterfalls around the valley that are thundering down right now, are well above the norm. By the end of the season they will be just a fraction of what is there right now.

What was missing on this visit

As I said at the start, since my last visit, everything has changed. Yes, they are well organized, but the crowds, at least at the lower parts of the terrain, are significant. What was missing were the cables to ascend Halfdome. They were still installing them and the plan was to get them up on June 6. I would not know that, since I didn't stay. I would have had to stay for two more nights, since age was kicking my butt and I needed at least a day to recover. The trip to Halfdome, which I did last time in 8.5 hours (yes, I really hustled) is essentially the same as what I did this time, but the conditions were much more benign. However, the Halfdome loop adds to what I did this time. Considering that, I may have to do this again, but will have to find out how to get a permit for climbing the cables (another new requirement that did not exist the last time I was here).