Yosemite Photos

[MarinJohn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(a priori @ Aug 19 2007, 08:03 PM) [snapback]498967[/snapback]</div>

Did you visit Wawona and the Big Trees? I lived in a little cabin in Wawona, just down the hill from the Pine Tree Market, and I'd love to know how it looks today.
[/b]

I was just at the Pine tree Market and the whole neighborhood looks like it stood still in time. Kinda like Tahoe 40 years ago.

[KTPhil]

We were there last week also. VERY dry, nothing from Yosemite Falls and almost nothing hitting the ground at Bridalveil. But beautiful nonetheless! Nothing like the view from Glacier Point (except maybe from the top of Half Dome, which I will do next trip).

The Prius did fine, both over the Grapevine (I-5) and up CA-41 to the valley. Four in the car and max load, and speeds of 75-80 most of the way, but I still got nearly 40mpg. Not a lot of room left over, but enough for four and a four day trip.

[wjtracy]

Oh WOW eat my heart out ...we had Yosemite flight and hotel reservations for a side trip this very weekend...but my business trip got cancelled. But I am confused...where the heck is the H2O? No water in the Falls and Mirror Lake? Also I like the way you linked the photos to Kodak Easyshare site ...that's where I have all my photos too.

[KTPhil]

Where's the water? Anywhere but California. We have all-time record low rainfall totals in much of the state. Although I am told the main falls are often dry in late summer. But the Merced River, through the valley isn't this dry except in the friest of drought years.

But for those thinking of going this year, it isn't all dry--there is plenty of green because the water is just under the surface in many areas. Still late summer wildflowers and grasses in most areas.

[a priori]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MarinJohn @ Aug 22 2007, 10:38 AM) [snapback]500288[/snapback]</div>

I was just at the Pine tree Market and the whole neighborhood looks like it stood still in time. Kinda like Tahoe 40 years ago.
[/b]

Thank you for letting me know what it looks like today.

As I recall, meat and dairy were delivered twice weekly during the summer and much less often during the winter months. This meant it was an exceptionaly event when we saw the sign "Fresh Meat Today" hanging above the front steps. Any fresh meat remaining unsold at day's end was frozen.

Power went out frequently, so Ned had a big V-8 he used as a power source for his home and the Pine Tree Market.

Also, there was a large top-opening freezer on the front porch. It was padlocked in the middle to keep "guests" from helping themselves to the contents. The freezer's top had a crease on it from the night one of the local black bears peeled the top back. The crease ran from the right rear hinges to the braces for the padlock right in the center. What a sight!

I haven't been there for 24 years, and I like to imagine it hasn't changed a bit! I really appreciate hearing from you.

[Sufferin' Prius Envy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KTPhil @ Aug 23 2007, 10:01 PM) [snapback]501414[/snapback]</div>

Where's the water? Anywhere but California. We have all-time record low rainfall totals in much of the state. Although I am told the main falls are often dry in late summer. But the Merced River, through the valley isn't this dry except in the friest of drought years.[/b]

Let's not over exaggerate.

Executive Update
Hydrologic Conditions in California
08/03/2007

"As of July 1, Water Year 2007 statewide hydrologic conditions were as follows: precipitation, 60% of average to date; runoff, 55% of average to date; and reservoir storage, 90% of average for the date."

"The Water Year 2007 October through July seasonal total of 36.5" is the 26th driest year out of 88 years of record."
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/current/EXECSUM

It is absolutely normal for the waterfalls in Yosemite to dry-up, and the rivers to run slower in the Summer and Fall seasons.

And Mirror Lake isn't running dry . . . it is filling-in and disappearing right before our eyes . . . another natural occurrence.
Soon it will be Mirror Meadows.
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/yosemite...te_process.html

[BellaHMB]

Regardless of the water or lack thereof, Yosemite is beautiful! Now I could do without the bears :P
But the landscape is so striking, and the view of Half Dome when you are driving down into the valley- did I mention the view?? It's amazing!

Victoria

[JenGwen323]

I was there last weekend. It is SO beautiful. I just went to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite has it beat. Even though the waterfalls weren't flowing, I was still lovely. I'll have to go back in the spring.

My avatar is from Yosemite!

[Godiva]

So all you seasoned Park folks.


What month is best to go to Yosemite and where is the best place to stay. (Please keep in mind I am not anatomically designed to pee behind trees comfortably. I.E. not much of a camper.)

Would you go in the fall? Sept-Oct? Or would you go in the Spring? April-May? Or is it best in June? July?

How about a lodge with all of the amenities? Or something historic, rustic and renovated? Little cabins?

[a priori]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Sep 9 2007, 09:45 PM) [snapback]509833[/snapback]</div>

So all you seasoned Park folks.
What month is best to go to Yosemite and where is the best place to stay. (Please keep in mind I am not anatomically designed to pee behind trees comfortably. I.E. not much of a camper.)

Would you go in the fall? Sept-Oct? Or would you go in the Spring? April-May? Or is it best in June? July?

How about a lodge with all of the amenities? Or something historic, rustic and renovated? Little cabins?
[/b]

OH GODIVA! What questions! Where do we begin?

There is no bad time to be in Yosemite. Each season offers something beautiful and inspiring in its own right. That said, I would say if I could pick one time it would be late May. This is because I think you can experience nearly all seasons then -- so long as you are willing and have the time to visit all parts of the Park. Yosemite Valley is starting to warm up by then and the Dogwoods may even be flowering already. High in the mountains, the snow is still deep. More than once Glacier Point has been blocked until the 4th of July by deep snows. Also, you can go up to the Mariposa Grove in Wawona and hike through heavy snow in and among the Giant Sequoias. I love to see the waterfalls in full display, and you are starting to see this by late May, too. Bridalveil is simply breathtaking during the heavy snowmelt! Additionally, there are fewer people there in May than in late June, July & August. The down side is that you may be closed out of Tuolumne Meadows that early in the year. These high alpine meadows are another world! This is a place for great day hiking with views of the High Sierras!

Where do you stay? The main lodge in Yosemite Valley (the Ahwahnee) is THE place to stay if you don't like camping. If you want something a bit more rustic, there are (or at least were!) canvas-sided "cabins" in Yosemite Valley. Campsites? I like the ones down south toward Wawona. These are much smaller and the experience is quieter and much more focused on neighborly camp fires and relaxing times.

There also is a hotel in Wawona. It is set right across from a small alpine meadow where you are guaranteed to see mule deer bucks in the very early morning hours in May and June. Of course, you may also see tracks from the local cougar (mountain lion) population in that area. I doubt you'll see one, though.

Oh, I wish I were planning a trip there now. Please let me know when you've gone. AND, please share any pictures!

a priori