Thursday, June 12, 2012

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Today was devoted to sightseeing in the Park. The $25 entrance fee was waived because I possessed a Senior Pass, what I usually call, my "Codger Card", available to codgers beginning at age 62. The cost was a one time fee of $10, for life.  Such a deal!  I have used mine for more than 5 years and have saved over $400 in National Park fees and Northwest Forest Pass fees.  Well worth the investment of ten bucks!

Yosemite was ever bit as beautiful as we've heard!  Very pristine once you get past the hoard of tourists invading Bear country. The granite mountains reminded us of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.  The famous, 8,842' Half Dome, was more majestic in person!  Mere photographs fail to capture its true essence. Majestic El Capitan, a 3000' Granite monolith is another mountain climbers challenge.

Upon arriving, our first sight was the Upper Yosemite Falls tumbling 1,430' down the high granite cliff, the first of three levels, dropping a total of 2,425' to make it the tallest waterfall in the U.S.  One of the Ranger volunteers told us that, due to the lack of snow pack this year, they feared Yosemite Falls would soon go dry.

The free Park Tram provided a convenient method of transportation throughout the Park. The tram stopped at more than a dozen sites for a hop on/hop off experience. Many hiking trails offered off-road photo ops and scenic vistas to more remote parts of Yosemite. Lakes, water falls, old growth timber and cliff-side viewpoints were abundant.  Hikers, walkers and backpackers were afforded many opportunities to fill their senses.

Grammy took the time with little Rosie to help her get her Junior Ranger badge.  She was very proud of it, especially when she saw other Junior Rangers wearing their badges.  Range staff personnel would spot it right away and congratulate her achievement.  Grammy also helped her keep a journal that documents her exploits. We will send her some photos to add to it after we get home.

We spent a full day exploring several places within the camp. In the evenings, we spent time around our camp enjoying foil dinners, campfires and s'mores. Our camp ground, Yosemite Pines RV Resort, was about 30 miles away from Yosemite Park, but the drive was beautiful and it didn't seem that long.

Our second day came quickly and we opted to drive to the top of Glacier Point, a 30 mile, two-lane highway that twisted and turned until we reached its top.  The views were awesome.  El Capitan and Half Dome were in full view. Yosemite Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls, as well as other prominent falls could be seen from this 7,214' elevation point. It was a beautiful day to see the high, snow dotted, mountain peaks, waterfalls, lakes, meadows and vistas.

Two numbs up!