It was already a scorcher at 102F (38.8C) at our campground in Chowchilla when we piled into our SUV and Ralph, Rick Janet and I headed towards Yosemite National Park for a long day trip. Tucked inside a cooler in the back was a tasty picnic lunch that Janet had prepared for us for later that day. It was 9:00 a.m. with a blue sky above and we were excited to experience this famed American parkland.
Over the 64 mile drive, we saw our view change from golden grasslands and gentle, rolling hills to...
One way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite is on horse or mule back. Case in point, the Big Trees Stable located in Wawona, a southern point within the park, offers 2-hour easy rides for $65.00 per person on scheduled times throughout the year. We stopped in for a look at the horses then continued on our tour.
The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is a collection of various historic buildings from the 1800's depicting ways of life during that time in Yosemite. It is a walk-through exhibit and the interiors of structures are open during the summer, such as cabins, a blacksmith shop and a bakery.
Continuing along Highway 41 north, we encountered the mile long Wawona Tunnel which was completed in 1933 and was accomplished by boring through solid granite bedrock. Amazing! It is also the longest highway tunnel in California.For my photography fans out there: Ansel Adams depicted this tunnel in a famous black and white photo entitled "Wawona Tunnel, Winter, Yosemite, about 1935".
What lay on the other side of the tunnel took my breath away! Staring eastward, we were looking at the dramatic and unbelievable beauty of the Yosemite Valley. This eight mile long and up to a mile deep scenic wonder, carved from ancient glaciers, provided a view of stunning granite peaks known as El Capitan (left), Half Dome (middle) and Bridalveil Falls (right). These points are internationally renowned and have been drawn, pictured, painted and even climbed since the early 19th century.
We took a closer look at the 617 foot tall (188 meters) Bridalveil Falls. According to Ahwahneechee Native American lore, inhaling the mist of the falls could increase one's chance of marriage.
At this point, we began looking for a spot to enjoy our picnic lunch. We found a table under pines and next to a stream that also offered a spectacular vantage point.
To hike, walk, climb and ride through all that Yosemite has to offer within its 1,200 square miles in just one day (or even just a few) is just wrong (in my humble opinion) - this place was meant to be savored in small breaths. It could take a lifetime.
One of the grand meadows.
We stopped into the Village Store, a large general store with anything you could need for a stay in the park. I noticed the rental van outside, one of many I would see on this trip. Never before had I thought about people renting a utility style van as a means of camping, but it could work as long as personal space isn't a must on your list of priorities.
Remember earlier I mentioned climbing in the park? Well, El Capitan is one of the world's most famous vertical challenges for rock climbers and BASE jumpers. Did you ever stop to think how such enthusiasts sleep overnight when climbing a mountain? Neither have I, until I saw an option for a bed for such a circumstance. Seriously? What about bathroom breaks or simply rolling over in your sleep? Oh well, not my cup of tea but I sure do admire those who do it. That is an awful lot of trust in just a rope (or two) while you slumber!
I never knew cutlery and plates could be made from corn starch or sugarcane fiber. The closest I came to an extreme Eco-friendly product like this was in Costa Rica when I saw writing paper made from banana leaves. So, this was something new for me.
The day ended all too soon. But I will say that Yosemite should be an entry in every "wish list" in life. It wasn't meant to be conquered in this one blog entry but hopefully it was enough to wet your appetite for more and see it for yourself, if you haven't already. For more information about Yosemite, or to plan a trip of your own, visit their website at: Yosemite National Park
Onwards to another point on the map and the answer to "what do Marilyn Monroe and artichokes have in common?" Click on this link and find out: California - (Part 8) Hollister
No comments:
Post a Comment