Yosemite National Park, California

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Wednesday (5.21) while Frank went on the Geology walk with a ranger, I had time to catch up on writing the blog. We parked in the day lot again. After lunch we wanted to walk the Bridalveil Fall Trail. Since it’s in the West end of the Valley, toward our campsite, we drove CT. We got stuck in road construction traffic, were directed to the wrong road and it was an hour and a half later before we reached BVF. Good thing we weren’t in a hurry. All the new roads are supposed to open Friday. After all that, BVF is better seen at a distance. The vista point is wet, wet, wet! I pointed the camera and took a quick shot. This fall is known for the wind blowing the entire waterfall all over.
Back in the Wawona area we visited the pioneer village, a collection of old buildings that are part of Yosemite’s history and were actually used, and the Wawona Hotel (opened in 1879). In the 1860’s Wawona was a military post for soldiers protecting the Sequoia grove (Lincoln made it federal land). Later it became a commercial entry to Yosemite NP.
Thursday morning (5.22) we parked at the Day lot again and took the shuttle to Lower Falls. It was early, not many people were out and it was cool (41 degrees). Lower Yosemite Falls is not as misty as some of the other falls. We had a pleasant walk through the woods; even saw some deer grazing in the ferns.
Next we took the bus to El Capitan Picnic area to get a photo of Three Brothers (a granite formation). It’s the only way to get to the area due to construction. We had to change buses and had a difficult time finding the next bus stop so we started walking down the closed road. Finally, a bus came along in the opposite direction and Frank flagged him down. Fortunately, the bus was empty so he stopped. We finally made it to our destination. Frank got his photo and I found wildflowers. We were both happy. It was a great walk - - there were no people.
After lunch we checked into the valley campground. Later we went back to the Visitor’s center. The park is definitely getting more crowded. Tomorrow we’re going to drive the Tioga Road which opened Wednesday. We were told the area still has deep snow, but the road is okay.

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Photos

Bridalveil Fall
It was a quick shot---you get wet!

Wildflowers on the Hike to El Capitan
Lupine was plentiful.

Wawona Hotel
Built in 1879, the hotel has an old fashioned charm.

Indian Paintbrush by the Merced River
Taking a walk around Wawona Campground

Comments

[Mary]

WHOA!
Ansel Adams, watch out!