 |
| View from our Yosemite campsite. |
 |
| We had site #25--near the river and restrooms. |
 |
| 'Welcome,' quoth the raven. |
Visiting a National Park is a privilege, powerful and just plain fun.
We had the lovely experience this April to drive up to Yosemite National Park through the Sierras to a very nice campsite, complete with bear-proof food box, fire pit, wildlife and fantastic river running through marvelous trees and mountains.
 |
| Onward ho |
Abraham Lincoln began the
process of
acknowledgement
for Yosemite to become a National Park
--and it is
now also a World Heritage Site.
My daughter and I rented a covered wagon--er-- F150 truck--emulating our pioneer ancestors (like if.) The drive included a spectacular climb through the Sierra elevations to the Yosemite Valley.
 |
| I love that river! |
We camped near the Merced River, and at first I thought we heard the thundering waterfalls as we slept--but they are so huge, they seemed close but were actually miles away. It was rapids on the river I heard.
The trees were very tall, healthy, filled with lovely birds and the light through the branches (including the moonlight of a full moon) was transcendent.
 |
| Lil ole tree hugger me. |
The trees make a person feel like a small child with tall, caring adults surrounding. Yes, I hugged them.
There is also excellent transportation (a fleet of vans) to Yosemite Village and the main sites. If you must have a pizza, civilization isn't far.
A multitude of fearless birds--robins, bluebirds, ducks, and the observant ravens, and so many I cannot tell you who they are. But they were all sassy.
Yosemite provides a healthy habitat for the critters, including squirrels with extraordinarily luxurious tails. Too early and chilly (in the 20s F at night) for butterflies. No bears. I think they were still hibernating.
Fine with me.
 |
| Me, taking the pic on the left. |
The incredible Yosemite Valley has 360 degree views of mountains, waterfalls and grand vistas. There are no bad shots. The cool fresh air, light breeze and occasional mist--it was like camping in a fantasy story.
 |
| Collaborators in fun! |
 |
| Head 'em up, move 'em out! |
We actually left a day early--the weather forecast called for snow, and even if we thought we could get down the mountains okay, we were not too sure about all the other campers driving down the rather skinny mountain roads! So we headed back through Central California--Tulare and Bakersfield and Buttonwillow and the Tehachapi's winding trail (actually a freeway) on our way home. BTW, my daughter is a great driver!
 |
| The famous Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite. |
