Tim and I had considered trying to extend our stay in
Yosemite National Park, but the weather forecast put a damper on this
idea. A Pacific storm was on the way,
and rain and snow in some areas was forecast for Wednesday. We therefore reluctantly decided to stick
with our original plan and left the park today.
We took our time on the way out and stopped several times
to savor one last look at the valley and its granite walls. Bridalveil Fall, which flows all year, was
our last stop, and it was fun to get close to the base and get sprayed with the
blowing mist.
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Granite Walls and the Merced River Define Yosemite Valley |
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El Capitan |
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Bridalveil Fall |
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Blowing Mist from Bridalveil Fall |
The drive out of the park on Highway 140 was especially
pretty, and it followed the Merced River as it rushed down to the town of El
Portal. Here we made a stop at the Yosemite
archives and met with Brenna, the park archivist. It just so happens that Tim had hired Brenna
when he worked at Pecos National Historical Park. Brenna explained the operation in Yosemite,
and she gave us a tour of the archives.
We were able to take a peek at early ranger logs, correspondence from
the park concessionaire and the original master plan for Yosemite Valley. There are such fascinating things that are
safeguarded in the archives at every park.
Tim and I also took the opportunity to discuss possible
volunteer opportunities at Yosemite after Tim retires. It would be wonderful to spend a chunk of
time in the park and really get to know it. , while at the same time helping with
projects that the park might otherwise not be able to accomplish. Maybe I will even see if there is something I
can help with in the next few years.
The scenic drive after we left El Portal was even more spectacular. The redbuds were blooming along the Merced
River, and the hillsides were carpeted with orange poppies. What an amazing sight. We were so lucky to be able to take this ride
at the height of wildflower season.
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Redbuds Are Blooming |
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Redbuds Along the Merced River |
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Hillsides of Poppies |
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Poppies Along the Merced River |
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More Orange Hillsides |
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What a Sight to See |
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I Couldn't Stop Taking Photos of the Poppies |
When we turned north onto Highway 49, we were in gold
rush country in the foothills of the Sierra.
The road twisted and turned as it climbed and descended hill after
hill. It was quite the rollercoaster
ride. The views were spectacular,
however, and the small towns were charming.
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The View from Highway 49 |
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Mountain Views |
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Bush Lupines Line the Highway |
The whole place is spectacular! I have orange poppies in my yard and it's hard to stop looking at them too. I can imagine what an effect a whole hillsides of them could have on you. LV
ReplyDeleteLV, Don't you just love poppies? I had hoped to see fields of poppies on this trip, but had no idea that this would be the place. What perfect timing we had. Sarah
DeleteThe poppies are very beautiiful. We also have some but nothing like that. Glad you got to enjoy them. Tim has really run into a lot of people he knows. That is great. Love A
ReplyDeleteA, I remember admiring your poppies. They are such beautiful flowers. It's been so nice for both of us to run into Tim's friends and colleagues. You never know where you might find someone he knows. Sarah
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