Yosemite Trip February, 2013

After you drive through the tunnel on your way to Yosemite Valley, this is your first sight of the spectacular valley!

 I took this about 9:15 in the morning, El Capitan is on the left, Half Dome is in the center of the background and Bridal Veil Falls is on the right. There is very little snow this year in the valley much to the concern of the Park Rangers. We had superb weather, mid 50's in the daytime, 25 at night.

 

The Cakes had never been to Yosemite, I hadn't been there for years. She was moved to tears by the beauty. The last time I was there was in summer when the Valley is bumper to bumper. This time we had the park to ourselves. (almost) The lack of traffic and so few people made it possible to see things with out being shoulder to shoulder with the crowds, it was quiet, peaceful and breathtaking.

The Park Service now uses all electric buses for shuttles, if you go, use them. They are free!

We owe, Galen Clark for lobbying President Lincoln to set aside the Yosemite region as a preserve, we owe John Muir for his efforts in publicizing and expanding the park and we all owe the CCC for building the trails, bridges and the stone walkways and walls like the one in the picture.

 

As we walked around I thought about what the valley would be like if it had been left to the developers and what it would be like today.

 

"2 acre Yosemite Meadows Lot, perfect for your summer dream home or year 'round retreat. Direct view of Yosemite Falls. This is one of the few remaining undeveloped, buildable lots in the highly sought after "Falls View Development". $3,999,000.

 

Gorgeous 5,000 sq foot home at the base of El Capitan located in one of the Yosemite Valley's most prestigious locations. The home features 5 bedrooms. 7 baths, heated pool and a 4 car garage plus a lovely 2 bedroom guest house. The El Capitan neighborhood maintains a private bridge with 24 hour security for your peace of mind whether home or away. This architect designed home was built in 1959 from the last of the old growth Sequoia trees and has been just been completely renovated to high standard. Offered at $21,565,000.

 

I think we dodged a bullet, don't you?

 

I thought it was interesting after Bush signed the bill that let guns in our National Parks, there are now signs on certain buldings and exhibits that prohibit carrying guns. There was a big one on the doors to the Yellowstone Visitor's Center Theater and Museum.