Greetings from Yosemite National Park

My wife and I traveled to Yosemite in August of 2013, prior to the Rim wild fire that has destroyed so many acres. My daughter and her boyfriend, who live in San Francisco also accompanied us on our visit. They stayed at Curry Village (framed tents) while we stayed at the Lodge at the Falls. Unfortunately, because it was August and dry, there was only a trickle of water at Yosemite Falls, as noted in the photograph without any sign of water flowing. We joked about the Park turning off the falls due to the sequester imposed by Congress! We stayed three days and two nights in this beautiful but crowded park. Many people and cars in the Valley. Even the hike to Vernal falls was crowded based on our previous experiences at other parks. But it is summertime after all. We took the “green monster” which is an open air tram that takes you around the valley and stops at all the major highlights. Well worth the $25 for each person and the narrator, Ranger Carolyn from NJ, was excellent and a great story teller! As I am a photographer, this gave me an opportunity to take many photos and plan other excursions while at the park. The accommodations were very acceptable and the other staff were very friendly and helpful. We also had one dinner (pricy) at the Adawane Lodge, which was very special, especially since my wife for to sit in the “Queen’s” seat. This was apparently the place where Queen Elizabeth was seated during her visit to the park in 1983. It had views out of three windows, each with different mountain vistas in sight. Apparently, they pick persons at random to be seated there, and as we were early, she got the special treatment! We also for to see a black bear just off the Vernal Falls trial with two cubs. Amazing! So glad we were able to add this park to our growing list. As my other daughter works for the National Parks as a naturalist and Ranger, where she goes, we follow!

Sincerely,
Paul