Yosemite May 2011

My sister Wilma and I took this trip in 2011, which proved to be an exceptional year for the waterfalls in the Park.  The previous winter had provided an abundance of rain and snow, which meant that visitors to the Park were treated to a display of full cascading waterfalls.  I deemed this our "Thelma and Louise" adventure, although neither of us were trying to escape bad relationships and the trip certainly didn't have a tragic ending.  We entered the park at the north entrance on Highway 120 and continued south to Yosemite Valley, where the greatest concentration of visitors and facilities are found in the Park.

Wilma (Louise) at the Swinging Bridge

Yosemite Falls from the boulevard

Yosemite Falls from a distance

Sheryl at the foot of Yosemite Falls (getting wet!)

Lower Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls viewed across the Merced River

 From the Yosemite Village area, we followed the Wawona Road through the Valley and south to our lodgings.  Along the way, we were treated with some magnificent views of the valley.

The Merced River winds through Yosemite Valley.  Bridalveil Falls in the background.

El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls

Sheryl (Thelma) at Tunnel Vision, a viewpoint on the Wawona Highway overlooking Yosemite Valley.  El Capitan is to the left, with Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls in the distance.

 

We stayed at the south end of the Park in the Wawona Hotel.  This Victorian structure was built in 1878 after the original building was destroyed in a fire, and is a National Historic Landmark.  The guest room we stayed in consists of a bed and dresser.  Guests go from their rooms to an outside landing and a short walk to the bathrooms and shower area.  We had a very nice dinner one evening in the hotel's restaurant.

 

 

Wawona Hotel

 The site of the Wawona was initially the location of Clarks Station, established by Galen Clark in 1855.  Clark built a number of buildings, including a general store, sawmill and blacksmith shop, with the intent to provide services and provisions to visitors to the Park.  Many of the original buildings still exist on the original site, just north of the present-day Wawona. 

Chuck Wagon

Two-wheel China Cart



Re-enactment of Clarks Station activities in the 1800's

From our lodging, we spent several days exploring the various parts of the Park.  The Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoias to the south of the Wawona was a great experience.  Some of the trees in this grove are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.  We spent a couple of hours walking through the grove.

The "clothespin tree"

The California tunnel tree

The Sequoias are huge!

We left the park at the south end via Highway 41 and on home via Modesto and north on I-5. 

Yosemite is a magical place that everyone should visit at some point.  Even after spending a few days there, I am still in awe every time I revisit through the pictures I have of our trip.  The adventure was made even more special because I was able to share it with my dear sister, Wilma, who enjoyed and appreciated it as much as I did.