I broke away from visiting my brother in nearby Modesto for a quick visit to Yosemite, planning an overnight for more shooting.
The day was in the 60's and the water was starting to move, even if there was no new greenery and snow was abundant in some areas of the valley floor.
While shooting conditions were good, the human circumstances weren't. In a nutshell, ICK!!!!
The park service is doing much needed road repair and I'm happy and supportive for all that. But in order to do it they closed the road entirely along the east side of the valley and have turned the road opposite into a 2-way. The same numbers of people are jammed into half the space with half the parking. People were literally jostling each other for photos. Picture the tunnel parking lot with three busloads of tourists, but also imagine the same crowding anywhere you could park in the whole valley.
As I said, ICK!
I'll go back for sure, but I won't be doing so on a weekend. I'll also arrive early so I can park my truck where I want, then hike into areas where the road is closed. Should be delightful, but it's going to take time to get around.
I'm not complaining about the NPS by any means. I really appreciate those folks and the work they're doing in the valley, but you'll have to plan ahead and use strategy on visits for the time being.
BTW- There was road damage on Hwy 141 and road repair on Hwy 120, resulting in one-lane road along with automated traffic lights on both those approaches to the park. As I recall the light on 120 is set on a 15 minute cycle and the one on 141 is on a half hour cycle. Allow extra time for the drive.