We made our way into the valley in hopes of getting a campsite and we did but, only for two nights and we would have to switch sites each day. It wasn’t ideal but it was the best that we could do (hint: if you plan to visit Yosemite in the Summer, get reservations a year in advance). That meant that we would have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a short amount of time.
left: There was a little bit of Fall color left when we drove into the valley.
right: El Capitan
The Yosemite Grant was signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 putting the park aside for“preservation and public use” but it wasn’t until 1890 that it officially became a National Park. From the 1850’s to the 1860’s, only 560 people visited Yosemite compared to the 3.4 million people that visit annually, now. Things sure have changed.
The Valley is not just a part of the park but also a town having it’s own post office, cemetery and medical clinic in addition to the hotels, restaurants, museums and galleries. A “town” is not something one usually equates with a wilderness area but the park has to support the huge amount of visitors somehow.
We managed to fit in a bike ride and visits to Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, the museum and of course the visitors center so the Dudes could get their ranger badges. We also attended a couple of ranger talks, one about the history of the park and the other given by a ranger who is a photographer and has been at the park for 25 years. WOW, her pictures were amazing! Being there for so long and for every season, she captured the park from every angle, every mood and every light. It was quite a treat.
left: Counting rings on a Giant Sequoia
Inspired by the ranger’s pictures, I tried to capture some photos too but, there is just no comparison. The Big Dude and I drove around one evening checking out lighting conditions and best points of view. He was very patient with me and jotted down notes on the map as to where the “photo spots” were for each subject and what time of day would be best for the shot. At sunset, we ended up on Sentinel Bridge with 15 other “photographers” waiting for the best light on Half Dome. From the experience, I learned that I have a lot to learn.
above: The Lil’ Dude and John Muir.
One of the highlights for the the Big Dude and I was attending an art class at the Arts and Education Center. The artist in residence for the week was offering a class on travel sketching and watercolor so we signed up. We went on location to sketch scenes of the park in the morning and returned after lunch to learn a bit about painting the sketches with watercolor. It was really fun and we learned how hard watercolor is to do (well). It also taught us a quick and portable art form we can use on the road.
Despite our limited time, we did manage to see and do quite a bit. But, next time, I will make reservations a year in advance so we can stay for a week and take the time to take in and process one of the most beautiful places in the country.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” John Muir