Yosemite, California – 9/9/2015 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

September 9, 2015 (September)

We woke up and looked outside. The air looked a little clearer so we decided to head to Yosemite Valley.

We woke up to pretty clear skies and headed out with hope.

The sign to Yosemite said it was only 14 miles away, but that was very deceiving because it’s 14 miles to the entrance to Yosemite National Park, but Yosemite Valley was another 30 miles or so. Took a little over an hour to get there as the roads are narrow, lots of up and down hills, and a really long section of no passing. (We used our National Parks Senior pass and saved $30.00!)

A little way in the gate we saw how much further we had to go.

A beautiful lodge inside the park. — A beautiful lodge.

We stopped at Bridal Veil Falls and took the little hike to the viewing section. Even though most of the water falling was gone, it was still so very beautiful. You could just imagine what it would be like during winter or the raining season. Michael and I have decided we want to come back after some rains to come explore it again and see it in its full glory.

Even with the smoke from the fires it was beautiful.

The smoke played in the light and shadows.

Pretty woman following me to Bridal Veil Falls.

When O Lord will the great waters flow again?

It is majestic here and I am so grateful that it has been saved for us all.

The falls are just a wisp of water wetting the side of the rock.

This place is a great study in glaciers.

How spectacular it would have been to watch that mass fall.

The park is full of remnants of the great granite masses.

There are so many dead trees scattered throughout. We don't know if it is the drought or the bark beetle. — There are so many dead trees scattered throughout. We don’t know if it is the drought or the bark beetle.

After Bridal Veil Falls, we drove a little ways more to a nice walk in the meadows where they have wooden planks on parts for walking. We explored the meadow, along the river, and walked down another path – only to discover a naked man bathing in the river. Was a little shocked but…at least he’s clean now.

I am trying to stop myself from posting so many pictures.

We drove around to Curry Village and all over the Yosemite Valley floor. It has changed since the last time we were there (we figured almost 20 years). Still very beautiful. Were surprised at how many people were out and about. We thought since school had started, it wouldn’t be so crowded. Boy were we wrong. Can’t even imagine how bad it is during the real summer months.

Maybe next time we will do the valley floor tour.

We drove to the Ahwahnee Hotel to have lunch. Such a beautiful lodge but so very expensive. Michael had a chicken breast with chutney on a whole wheat chibata roll. I had a hamburger with guacamole. Very good but the bill was about $50.00 for lunch. Fun to do once in awhile and we so love the Ahwahnee. I still laugh when I think of the first time I ate at the Ahwahnee Hotel. I was with a group of singles (way back in my 20’s) and you had to dress for dinner. Some of the guys had to “borrow” a jacket and tie from the restaurant before they could eat. After we had our meal and were ready for dessert, I ordered a chocolate “mouse” instead of “moose.” Everyone at the table got a good chuckle out of it. Poor unsophisticated country girl didn’t get out much back then.

A trick of light that occurs in February when the light and clouds are just right at sunset.

Low riders chairs I think. — Low rider chairs I think.

There is always a huge fire here in the winter.

My chicken breast sandwich with potato salad.

Edies hamburger with fries. — Edie’s hamburger with fries.

After the Ahwahnee Hotel, we drove around some more and then decided to take the shuttle bus around to see if we could see Mirror Lake. We enjoyed the shuttle because it really gives you a good idea of where things are, as well as seeing things you can’t see on your own (private roads). When we got to the Mirror Lake stop, the driver told us it was pretty dry so we opted to wait until we come back after it rains and we get more water (hopefully soon).

We got back to Bass Lake and drove around for awhile. We were shocked at how low it was. Many of the piers are on dry land. Looks so sad. There was a place the kids played on when we were here years ago, called slide rock, where they would slide down into the lake. Slide rock is now about a quarter mile away from the nearest water. Please Lord, let it rain.

We drove past our place to Bass Lake. — We drove past our place to check out Bass Lake.

Walk ways to the water are high and dry.

When we got back to our “home”, we went to the hot tub. We enjoyed meeting a couple from the Chicago area and talking to them. That was our day. Hope yours was great.