Yosemite camping trip --

[Hell Hath No Fury]

OK, we talked about it, now let's make this happen!

We will have to start making plans if we want to hit Yosemite in May -- if we are going to use camp lodgings (Camp Curry, Housekeeping) we will need to make reservations soon to get the dates we want. If we are going to camp (tents/bags) we will have to be very quick and very lucky -- camp site reservations are taken on a specific day each year and are all full for the season within minutes of opening.

Camp sites are $20 a night, have a fire ring, picnic table, and can house up to 6 people.

Housekeeping sites have a double bed plus a bunk bed, fire ring, electricity, and run a little over $100 a night.

Camp Curry cabins can house up to four people and run a little over $100 a night.

As for what days, for the best bet I would recommend as late in May as we can go. Glacier Point (a MUST see) was still snowed in when I went last year the weekend of May 8th. It was also pretty darn cold still and snowed the last day I was there. Glacier is always open by Memorial Day, but the park is a madhouse that weekend.

Do we want to do a weekend only or can we do a few weekdays? I think 2 nights is a minimum requirement, with 3 being better. There is so much to see and do just on the Valley floor, let alone going up to Big Trees or other parts of the park.

Weight in and let me know what you guys are thinking!

Hell

On edit:

Some info on campground reservations:

Campground Reservations
Reservations are required March 15 through November for Yosemite Valley’s car campgrounds and summer through fall for Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and half of Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows. Campground reservations are available in blocks of one month at a time, up to five months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific time. Be aware that nearly all reservations for the months of May through September and for some other weekends are filled the first day they become available (often within minutes after 7 am)!


Arrival date First day to make reservations
(7 am PT)

December 15 through January 14 -- August 15
January 15 through February 14 -- September 15
February 15 through March 14  -- October 15
March 15 through April 14  -- November 15
April 15 through May 14 -- December 15
May 15 through June 14 -- January 15
June 15 through July 14 -- February 15
July 15 through August 14 -- March 15
August 15 through September 14 -- April 15
September 15 through October 14 -- May 15
October 15 through November 14 -- June 15
November 15 through December 14 -- July 15

Housekeeping and Camp Curry Reservations are being taken right now.

[Mz Pip]

1. This would be a lot of fun

I'm not into camping anymore but have no problem staying in a housekeeping cabin. We're pretty flexible and can do whatever the consensus may be.

Mz Pip

[Hell Hath No Fury]

2. Cool!

I think I would be doing the same -- my Mom will be coming and she is over camping the hard way. :D

If some wanted to camp and some wanting to do housekeeping or Camp Curry I think that would be fine -- there are plenty of gathering places to meet/eat together etc.

[KamaAina]

3. City boy here with no camping equipment

also, we have a major disability event in Sac at the end of May; though it's held during the week, planning for it ate my lunch during most of the month this year.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

4. Sounds like Hosuekeeping or Camp Curry --

are the right fit for you. :D I'll dig up some info on them for you. BRB.

On edit:

Description of camp sites
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campground.htm

Camp Curry
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_CurryVillage.aspx

Housekeeping
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_HousekeepingCamp_LodgingDetails.aspx

[arcane1]

5. Oooh, fun!

I have only been there once, for a weekend, in 2000, so count me in! I can do any of the available forms, but I like the lodging idea since it seems easier and less hectic to reserve :)

on edit: with enough advance notice I can do weekdays too.

[proud patriot]

6. I'm in and would love to share a cabin or room

I can put in my money in October as that is when my first paycheck comes in .
Weekdays sound less crowded which I would love but could do the weekend too.

Whatever is easiest . Also I'll be in the city tommorrow attending the Power to
the Peaceful festival with my son .

[EFerrari]

7. I'm in for camping in the valley.

I belong to the church of Lower River Campground. Days don't matter. :)

ETA: Housekeeping or Camp Curry is fine, too, but a second choice.

[WillyT]

9. I Belonged To That Church As Well... Unfortunately, It's Not There Anymore

Because of the Flood of 1997.

Campgrounds Affected by the Flood of 1997

The flooding that occurred in January of 1997 scoured previously impacted river banks and some campgrounds and covered others with rock, silt and debris. Restroom facilities were left with several inches of mud once waters receded. Sewer systems and utilities were severely damaged or destroyed.

Campgrounds within Yosemite Valley were affected to varying degrees depending on their location within the floodplain. Lower and Upper River Campgrounds and a portion of Lower Pines Campground were most affected. These campgrounds are in the main flood channel of the Merced River, subject to frequent, swift-water flooding and are considered to be in the high-hazard floodplain.

Closing of Campsites After the Flood of 1997

Repairing the Valley campgrounds after the flood would have required major restoration work and extensive funding. Instead, the National Park Service decided to wait until the Draft Yosemite Valley Plan was finalized and decisions about campgrounds had been made with public input. Closure of Lower and Upper River Campgrounds, Yosemite Valley Group Campground and a portion of Lower Pines Campgrounds temporarily reduced the number of campsites in the Valley. The park is planning alternative sites for campgrounds and other facilities currently located in the high-hazard floodplain. The total number of campsites will be increased to 504.

Link: http://www.yosemite.org/79/Flood-of-1997.htm?expandable=3

I ablsolutely loved camping there... :cry:

Oh well... House Keeping or Curry Village is good for me.

:hi:

[EFerrari]

12. Oh, no! Hell!

The best part was being so close to the water. :(

[cally]

8. This sounds like fun

I can do either option and with enough notice, I could do weekdays. I prefer a bed. The last camping I did, I complained mightily about the hard ground. But I do still camp and have camping equipment so I'm willing to camp. I have enough equipment that I could share with someone.

Extremely late in May does not work for me. I could do other dates, though. May tends to be crazy for me, so no one should try to plan around my schedule.

[WillyT]

10. Woo Hoo !!! - Sounds Fantastic !!!

You know Hell, if we can get a "Base Camp" up and secured, meaning a group of us who have a number of places to stay grouped together, then anybody who decides later that they want to be involved can meet up with us for meals and campfire chats.

The pass into Yosemite is good for a week (I believe) and if somebody wanted to stay in some of the hotels outside the Park, Gold Bug for instance, they could meet up with us for various touring and talking and don't have to pay the entrance fee everyday. That way we do not have to try and coordinate for dozens of people if this generated that much interest. You could come up for a day, or for several.

Does that make any sense?

Anywho... just a thought.

:bounce::hi::bounce:

:loveya:

[proud patriot]

11. Good idea

I forgot to say in my post above .. That I have lots of Camping Gear and am up
for that as well .

[Hell Hath No Fury]

13. That is what I was thinking--

The only places we can BBQ and make meals is either at a campsite or at Housekeeping, so if we had a base camp at a campground (maybe two sites together) and then those who can't to "rough it" can do that at that base camp, those who need a little more creature comforts can do that too. I also agree with meet-ups and free time for those who want to do other things. With Mom in tow hiking will be out for me so we an meet up with the hikers at a set time/place. I love the idea of meeting at locations -- like lunch at Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point -- we can eat together and then take some time walking/hiking/enjoying those areas. Each evening can be dinner and campfire at base camp.

Perhaps the week/weekend after Memorial Day may be the best bet -- it will; be a bit warmer and Glacier will be open.

:hi: Woo hoo!

[Le Taz Hot]

14. Can DU's resident

big-mouth, pain-in-the-ass, opinionated fat broad come too? In that I'm already in Fresburg I probably won't be spending the night but I can do a day trip. I'll be happy to bring a sampling of some of the local herbal produce for those so inclined so can I come? Can I? Huh? Can I? :evilgrin:

[proud patriot]

15. Yes !

[mike_c]

16. I'd love to go but May probably won't work for me....

Besides, I'm more of a backcountry guy. Seriously though, probably can't do May, and the developed parts of the range are just too crowded for my taste during summer. Bummer.

[Xithras]

17. Be aware that spring & summer Valley reservations often book out in under 10 minutes.

I live 90 minutes from Yosemite and camp up there every summer. I try to avoid the Valley because it's so crowded, but I've had to make those reservations before. Be aware that you, and a few thousand of your best friends from nations around the world, will be competing for one of only about 400 campsites. Among your competitors will be professional services in Europe and Asia that specialize in this sort of thing, and hundreds of additional people who manage to get through on the phones before the lines fill and start cutting off new connections. Oh, and you can't forget about the speculators who reserve days and then resell their reservations on EBay for a profit (seriously). I know people who have tried for years to get a valley campground without success.

In other words, make sure you have alternate plans. I don't want to be a downer, but I've failed to get valley reservations 5 out of the 7 years I've tried (just did the math).

Getting a Valley campground didn't used to be so difficult, but the floods permanently reduced the number of available spaces, and the advent of Internet registration created a global stampede for the spots. As recently as 15 years ago you could actually go up to Yosemite Valley on a non-holiday summer weekday and find a number of spots open. That NEVER happens anymore. Even the cancellations get resold through online brokers.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

20. Yes, they go QUICK.

Proud Patriot has never ever been to Yosemite, so we are going to start her off in the Valley. Housekeeping seems to be a little easier to book, so will focus on that for now. You'll have ot at least come up for BBQ or to hang a few days! :hi:

[Xithras]

25. I'd love to join you for the BBQ, but May/June is tough for me.

My sons scout troop spends a week at camp in the Sierra National Forest every May, and I've already committed to chaperoning next years trip. I believe we'll be gone May 20 to 27. Even if the trip is planned for other days, I'd have a hard time getting any more time off work (and, to be honest, I'll be pretty sore...we have more than 40 miles of mountain hiking planned for those 7 days).

As long as it isn't planned during the week I'll be gone, I'd love to come up and join you all for an afternoon or BBQ though :)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

18. Sorry to let this thread languish --

I was up in Taheo for the week, insulating Mom's crawl space.

I never ever ever ever want to do something like that again. :cry: :scared:

So it is looking like Housekeeping may be the way to go -- the reservations appear to be easier to get and it is a little easier on the bod than pitching a tent, and unlike with a tent cabin, we get to use FIRE. :D If we got several site together we could have a whole "camp"

Since there are three bunks in each Houseskeeping unit, I think three or four would do the trick, depending on how many of us wanted to go.

I am going to find a calendar for next year and come back with some proposed dates. Maybe we could do a combo of work/weekend days so those who can take the week time off can and those who need a weekend can still make it. BRB!

On edit:

Looking at the May/June calendars, what about Wednesday June 1 through Sunday June 5??





It will be after Memorial Day but before the cra-cra of full-on Summer -- the falls will still be going strong but there is less chance of having snow (like the last time I went towards the middle/end of May).

What think everyone??

[EFerrari]

19. Later would be warmer but that week is fine with me!

One time we went up there for our May 1 anniversary and woke up to snow on our tent. lol

It would be so good to be in the valley again. :woohoo:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

21. I was there May 15th of last year --

and got snow both in the Valley and at Big Trees! First time ever with a snowy Yosemite -- decided I really needed to do a snow trip least once there.

[arcane1]

22. That would work for me! n/t

[WillyT]

23. That Sounds Good To Me

Do you know how much they want to hold a reservation ?

My finances are super-sucky at this particular moment in time.

:shrug:

:hi:

[proud patriot]

24. I'm in

:thumbsup:

[Le Taz Hot]

26. Anytime is good for me.

As I mentioned earlier, I probably won't stay overnight but I can come up for one or more day trips. Let me know if you need me to do any kind of leg work or site investigations for you.

[proud patriot]

30. sounds great

[Mz Pip]

27. So if I read this right

we'll have to make reservations ASAP if we want to stay in the housekeeping cabins.

As soon as there is a consensus let me know and I'll try to book something for me and Mr Pip

[Le Taz Hot]

28. Kicky poo

[proud patriot]

29. Keeping this thread at the top

:-)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

31. Housekeeping appears to be out --

They do not have any weekends available at all after early/mid-May.

Camp Curry still has tents available -- each tent has one double and two single beds plus a heater. Cost plus tax would run around $50 a person per night for a three night stay. ($419 total)

I think we need to make reservations ASAP if we want to do this. Mom and I will take a tent and will have space for one more person -- Trish, you wanna bunk with us? Arcane, Willy, KamaAina -- do you guys want to chip in on one tent? Anyone else coming along -- jump in and tell us what you are thinking!

[proud patriot]

32. I'll bunk w/ you and your mom .

:-)I can get the Money to you ASAP . will $170 cover taxes and me being a little late w/
the $$ like around Oct 29 payday :-)?

[cally]

33. Do we have an exact date yet?

I would like to go but May is difficult for me. Let me know the date and I'll book a cabin if I can. I guess I could rent a cabin and hope we get some more folks to join us to fill it. I probably can cancel and get a refund if I do it enough in advance.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

35. We were looking at June 2 - 5 --

I kept you in mind when picking the dates. :hi: I found another option that may be a really good one -- it is situated outside the park, but it is a house with a kitchen, BBQ, and sleeps up to 11.

Check it out here:

Scroll down to check out the Starlite House

http://yosemitebug.com/lodging.html


With this option we have this a a basecamp, where everyone can come and go as they please and stay as long/short as they need. We can stay up later and yak with no worries about bothering anyone. It is also a little more "luxurious" than the tent cabins.

It is available and would run around $50 a night per person.




STARLITE HOUSE

PRICE FOR HOUSE FOR
5 to 8 PEOPLE: $255.00 to $305.00 (plus $10 per addtional guest, can sleep up to 11) plus 10% tax & 1% TBID

The Starlite House is across the creek from the main Bug complex in a similar setting. There is a trail between that goes down into the creek area, it is beautiful all times of year down there with flora & fauna. This house was hand built in a natural, hippie style by a homesteader and has its own access to the highway to Yosemite with ample parking above & below. There is a small BBQ for briquettes out on the small lawn and an outside view deck with table and chairs. You can visit the large organic garden below the house. There are two bedrooms downstairs, one queen & one queen with a bunk and one small bath. There is a large bath and a queen upstairs with curtains separating from a living and kitchen area. There are small beds otherwise available about the house and an adjoining in-law with a set up for two. Great for families' or friends' getaways where the center of attention is your gathering. We recently updated the house and are providing free Cable T.V , DVD and VHS Player as well.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

36. On more option --

At the same resort, they have cabins with shared bathrooms. If we got two of these this would still be a very economical option running, around $80 per person for a 3 nigth stay.

Private Rooms Shared Bath in CABINS

 
PRICE PER ROOM (2 TO 4 PEOPLE): $65.00 - $100.00 plus 10% tax & 1% TBID

We have private rooms shared bath in cabins. These cabins are excellent for FAMILIES, too, sold as a full cabin or individually. One side is a double/full bed or two twin beds. The other room is a double/full bed and a bunk (two singles). These two rooms share a large bathroom in beautiful wooden cabins perched on the forested hillside. These cabins are fully porched with chairs and table outside. Heated, cooled, and linens.

Summer and Holiday weekends have 2 to 3 day minimum stays.

[KamaAina]

41. Both of those bring teh awesome

:thumbsup:

[proud patriot]

37. Wow both look really nice

:-) the house especially

[cally]

38. that date sounds great

the houses look great and might make it easier for the non-campers. I'm open to either option. Thanks for doing the footwork on this.

[proud patriot]

79. I'm getting very excited

[Le Taz Hot]

34. I'll still be coming up just for the day

I love to cook so I'll probably bring goodies from my kitchen as well as fresh veggies & herbs from my garden.

[pinboy3niner]

39. Kick

[proud patriot]

40. kick

[Hell Hath No Fury]

42. We are booked!

I am very excited! I am already thinking about next spring. :D

OK, I just made reservations at the Yosemite Bug resort for the Starlite House. Dates are Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5 and the total cost was $1032.30. The reservation is on my card but final payment will not have to be made until we check-out. If we have to, we can cancel a minimum of two weeks in advance. With tax etc. it is looking like it will run $60 per person, per night if 6 people stay there -- the price will change a bit if more or fewer stay. (The nightly rate is base plus occupancy.)

So, I'll share a little with you about The Bug. I have stayed in their hostel dorm in the past and really like this place. It is very rustic, very laid back. They have a main communal room that has a simple cafe and a lounge with a fireplace. The cafe has awesome food at a great price, especially their breakfasts and lunches. They offer a to go lunchbag for $6+ that has a sandwich, piece of fruit, cookie, and trail mix. Since we have a kitchen & BBQ at the house, we can prepare s many meals as we do or do not want to -- it's nice to have the cafe as an option.

It is located around 20 miles outside the park -- the daily drive in really wasn't a big deal. They also offer a shuttle to the valley floor for those who may want to sleep in a bit longer or get back a little earlier/later than others.

As WillyT suggested, we can work it so we meet up for lunch in the valley and dinner at The Bug as a group at the very the least. The rest of the time, the old fogies like me and Mom can have a more mellow day while the hardier souls can take to the trails. Folks who are coming up for a day can get in touch with us and let us know when to expect them. Perhaps Saturday can be a big BBQ night.

A bit more about the cafe:


NEWS
This last Spring we started our own organic garden, using our own Vegetables,Herbs along with local organic produce in our Cafe. Our garden is located across the creek on our other property, if you are interested in taking a look at our garden ask the Front Desk! We use compost from our kitchen for our Garden, at least 1 item with exclusive garden produce can be found on our summer menu.


"LOCAL SPECIALTY:
Twenty-Five miles southwest of Yosemite Valley off of Highway 140 is the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, with Guinness on tap and great eats for about half what you'd pay at the park's showpiece Ahwahnee Hotel."

OUTSIDE MAGAZINE's national parks review issue - May 2002


The Cafe's atmosphere is one where people can hang about all day, reading, conversing and eating in a comfortable fire lit sporty lodge interior or outside in the sunny view decks overlooking the gorge, mountains and trees. The best asset of any lodge , hostel or camp should be a comfortable and fun communal or lobby area. The Cafe is that place every day.

We have the glassed-in deck called the Tenaya Room for scenic enjoyment and small tables and the Dining Hall for large communal or family tables. In this hall we have games, guitars and a lounge area with comfy sofas neaxt to the fireplace.

The Cafe is known best for our fresh foods. Most of our guests and many of our locals continue to return because our food is exceptional. We have family style dining without wait staff. This allows us to offer value.

We serve beer on tap, wine, hot and cold beverages. We also have Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts and gatherings that see return guests every year, see our seasonal pages.
 
Cafe Menu
BREAKFAST: Served 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily. Vegan options, too!

California Breakfast
Eggs, Wheat Toast, Fresh Tomato & Avocado, * Tofu may be subsituted for Eggs. $5.50

Muesli Breakfast
A bowl of quality Mueslis or Hot Oatmeal with Soy or Whole Milk or Yogurt and a bowl of Fresh cut Fruit. $5.00

Buckwheat Pancake
A huge Pancake on a platter served with a Medley of Fresh cut Fruit.
Blueberry Pancake $1.00 more. Vegan Buckwheat Pancakes, too! $5.00

American Breakfast
Eggs, Bacon or Ham, Grilled Potatoes & Wheat Toast. * Tofu may be subsituted for Eggs. $6.00

Continental Breakfast
Eggs, Wheat Toast and Apple or Orange Juice. * Tofu may be subsituted for Eggs. $5.00

Omelet
Ham and Cheese or Veggie and Cheese, Three Cheeses, Grilled Potatoes or Wheat Toast. $7.50


LUNCHES: Bagged to go or for here 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily

Choose from provolone swiss and avocado, roast beef & cheddar, hummus provolone and avocado, turkey & provolone, ham and swiss, or BLT sandwiches with wheat-nut bread, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments and an apple. Hot lunch daily special in-house could be BBQ Pork, Reuben, Garden Burger or Philly Cheese Steak.

Order during breakfast for packed trail lunches. Ingredients are packed separately for assembly on Yosemite's trails. Also includes co-op quality trail mix & cookies.
$6.50


DINNER : Served 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily (5:30-8:30 winter).

OUR DINNER MENU ITEMS CHANGE WEEKLY ON ROTATING MONTHLY MENU. We have specials each night. All dinner's come with daily chef's vegetable selection.

Beef
-Charbroiled Ribeye Steak w/ Truffel Oil, Grilled Onions and a Baked Potato
-Prime Rib w/ Garlic Mash Potatoes
-Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs w/ Red Wine Reduction Sauce $18+

Fish
-Grilled Salmon w/ Lemon-Herb Sauce and Mash Potatoes
-Sautéed Snapper Vera Cruz w/ Advacado-Corn Relish, Grilled Vegetables and Rice
-Pan Fried Trout w/ Orange Seasame Sauce and Spanish Rice $15+

Chicken
-Chicken Portabella Zinfandel w/ Polenta and Asparagus
-Balsamic Marinated Chicken w/ Red Pepper Hummus and Rice
-Mesquite Grilled Chicken w. Wasabi-Q Sauce and Purple Sticky Rice $12+

Pork
-Smoked Pork Loin w/ Hawaiian Adobo Sauce, Beans and Rice
-Grilled Pork Chops w/ Herbed Apple Pesto and Mash Potatoes
-Pork Ribs w/ Red Tail BBQ Sauce and Mash Potatoes $14+

Vegan
-Thai Stuffed Cucumbers w/ Lemon Grass Marinated Seitan and Organic BuckWheat Noodles
-Blac Bean and Potato Enchiladas w/ Grilled Vegetables and Rice
-Seared Polenta Terrine w/ Grilled Eggplant, Asparagus and Roasted Paprika $12+

Vegetarian
-Green Tomato Lasagna: Organic Green Tomato Sauce, Fresh Pasta and Organic Mozzarella
-Cheese Empanadas w/ Salsa Fresca and Rice
-Stuffed Eggplant w/ Potato Tapenade and Polenta $12+

Hot Sandwich
Tuna Melt, Reubens, Burger, Veggie Burger, French Dip, etc., on weekly rotating menus. With soup or salad or Cole Slaw/Chips. $8.50

DESSERTS : All desserts are made on premises and have been perfected. Served all day.
Real Chocolate Cake, Old Fashioned Cheesecake, Carrot Cake and a seasonal choice. Special Occasion cakes made, too. $4+

BEVERAGES : Served 7 a.m. til Closing (Typically 11:30p.m. daily).

[proud patriot]

43. I'm sooooo EXCITED

having something planned to look forward to is so awesome.

I can't wait :woohoo: My first visit to yosemite . I've lived in California my whole life
41 yrs. and have yet to see it . Thans so much Kris for organizing this .

[Hell Hath No Fury]

44. You are welcome!

Since you are a newbie it actually might be nice if we went on a real tour of the place, or at least a ranger led talk. :hi:

[proud patriot]

45. I'm easy , sounds good

:-)

[Le Taz Hot]

46. Works for me

Probably be up for the "Q" on Saturday and you can let me know what I can bring.

[arcane1]

47. Sweet sweet sweet!!!!

:yourock:

I've spent only one day in Yosemite since I moved here, and this sounds like just the kind of getaway I have been needing :) :) :)

[proud patriot]

48. Some good news , My husband will be able to come as well

He just got laid off , he has not been to Yosemite yet like me .
He's been working 6 days a week for 3 years . We are going to make some
lifestyle changes and he is going to around a lot more .

We haven't gone on a vacation together in years maybe 5 eek. Life's too short
to spend it all slaving for someone else .

[Hell Hath No Fury]

49. Sorry to hear about the layoff. :(

Your family has really been taking a hit the past few years. :hug: Glad to hear he will be joining us -- and I am really glad I picked the house now! :D :hi:

[proud patriot]

50. hit after hit it seems

but at least he gets unemployment for now

[MaryBear]

51. Is it too late?

Is it too late to be part of this? I don't have time right now to reaed through everything. Will do that. Seems like ages since I've seen you all. I would need electricity.

-MB

[MaryBear]

52. Scratch that!

Have a schedule conflict.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

53. I didn't now you were still active here!

:hi: Glad to see an old face! If things change for you with your schedule, come on down! We are renting a house with beds and electricty and all the comfy emenities.

[proud patriot]

54. We'll make room for you Mary

:-)

[cally]

55. I would like to come if I'm not too late

[proud patriot]

56. yay

:-)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

58. You are in like Flynn, Cally!

Not too late at all! :hi:

[proud patriot]

57. KICK

:smoke:

[shanti]

59. is it too late??

i'd love to go!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

60. Not too late at all!

There is plenty of space -- the house can hold 11 people and any over flow can stay over at the main resort.

A few weeks before the trip I will alert everyoine and firm up plans on who is coming what days, as well as acitivities and more information.

:hi:

[shanti]

61. cool

:hi:

[proud patriot]

62. A Happy Holidays kick to the top Merry Christmas Californians

:loveya:

[pinboy3niner]

63. Kick for visibility

For all those who haven't seen this yet.

[david13]

64. Well, I sure hope you make this happen; it will be good, particularly

for those who can't or won't do it on their own.
Myself, I will be in Yosemite twice this year, I hope. April, maybe to see the Frazil ice, and hike to the top of the upper falls, and to Lost Arrow Spire and the Tyrolean traverse.
Then again in July to make the hike down from Glacier Point to the east, as last year I went to the west on the 4 mile trail.
I am also now planning a trip in May to the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and finally Zion.
At most one day for Zion, and 1/2 day for the others, this by motorcycle.
dc

[proud patriot]

65. Have fun the motorcycle trip sounds dreamy

[proud patriot]

66. kick a roo

[david13]

67. Well, I am booked in for April 13 at the park. I hear this week they

are closed, due to no electricity for 5 or 6 days. The storm knocked out a transformer & PG&E says 5 or 6 days.
They have to helicopter in a part as the road is closed due to snow (I don't know which road.)
El Portal is without electro as well as the Village. Hotels have no heat and no warm water.
Anyway, I'm on the road up there on the 13th.
And then there will be a convention in the Oakhurst area. Maybe 30 or more motorcycles.
I hope to see the Frazil Ice as seen here and elsewhere with the video.
dc

[KamaAina]

68. Please don't tell me the repukes are going to ruin this for us, too!

I asked you not to tell me that...

of course the place itself is outside the park, but is it worth going all the way up there if by then we still can't get in to the actual park? (Seriously, I don't know. I've only been out here a year and a half. In fact, this whole thing started last Labor Day when I mentioned that I'd never been.)

[david13]

69. Nothing is going to be ruined. Quit planning and get up there. I

am leaving Wednesday morning and will be there hopefully by sunset. And the weather looks cool but nice.
So get out and enjoy these national parks while you still can. The park may last forever, thanks to those who had the foresight to want to save it in it's natural state, but still allow access to it, but none of us will.
dc

[david13]

70. Well I'm in Oakhurst now. I arrived at El Portal Wednesday afternoon

and it was cold. And I spend Thursday and today in the park.
Here is a photo of the bike in front of El Capitan, and as I left the park, a photo from Tunnel View, just on the east side of the highway 41 tunnel.
Tomorrow we ride around North Fork, Bass Lake, Mariposa, and other areas. About 25 people so far, but there may be more tomorrow.
dc
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[mackerel]

71. Great pic!

[Le Taz Hot]

72. Waving to you

from Fresburg! :hi: I don't care how many times I see Yosemite, it always leaves me awestruck.

[david13]

76. The beautiful thing about fresburg is that when I get there, I know

I am just about to my favorite towns all around; Coarsegold and Oakhurst, and almost parkside. Or almost at the park.
I was going back in July. Now that trip is back up in the air a bit. I'll see what I can do.
dc

[david13]

74. Somehow I got the wrong photo, and didn't notice. That is my

bike in front of some trees at the entrance to the valley, just at the junction of 41 and 140.
This is El Capitan.
dc
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[proud patriot]

75. Great pictures

:)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

77. Stunning picture of the Valley!

From that vantage point you can see no signs of human habitation -- which makes it all the better. :)

Can't wait for June!

[david13]

81. Yes, nature in it's glory, all in and of itself. There are people there,

but they are down amongst the trees, as are buildings and roads, but they are at the base of the trees, and cannot be seen from there. There are also trails visible from there, possibly with people on them, but they look so tiny from that distance, that you cannot see them.
There were also reputedly people climbing the rock that day, as well, up El Capitan or where I don't know. If you did know, and with some lens, you could possibly see them, but again from that distance, they are too tiny to be seen with the naked eye.
My photos seldom have people in them. I tend to like it that way. Sometimes I have to get the motorcycle or at least part of it in there, as the motorcycle guys otherwise are not convinced the motorcycle was there. After all, I could have gone on the tour bus, or had someone drive me, etc.
dc

[shanti]

80. if there was ever a bad picture of yosemite

i've never seen one! thanks for sharing!

[wclarkfan_1978]

73. +1

[proud patriot]

78. kick

[Hell Hath No Fury]

82. UPDATE -

Bad news on my end. :( Mom has been having terrible back issues that have her all but housebound. At this point, I am unsure if we are going to make it. :cry: She is getting another spinal block sometime next week -- if that does the trick, then we are good to go.

I have until 5 days before the reservations to cancel. You guys have to figure out of you want to go whether or not Mom & I do. If so, that's totally fine, I'll change the name on the reservations and that should do the trick. If you are not sure, I'll be able to say if we are going by May 27th.

This sucks big time. :( :cry:

[arcane1]

83. That does, indeed, suck big-time :(

I really really want to do this, but I'm 99% sure I won't be able to make it. 2011 is turning into a tough year financially, and I might not even be able to squeeze in a local camping trip :(

Though if a local DU camping trip came up, I'd make every effort to attend :)

[proud patriot]

85. I'll plan a dillon beach trip later

you'd love there.

[arcane1]

86. Hmm, I'd never heard of the place, so I looked it up

I do believe you are correct! :)

:hi:

[proud patriot]

89. It's really a fun place and close and economical

When enjoy ourselves there .. Horseshoes anyone?

[proud patriot]

84. No worries

Go ahead and cancel . I was going to have to leave early anyway. Sending strength to your mom. there's always another year.

:hug:

[KamaAina]

87. I was already worrying about

a) getting the time off (just took vacation in April), and b) the weather. It snowed in the Sierra the other day. :scared:

So maybe we should shoot for something a little less lofty, so to speak, like a repeat of Labor Day over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I vote for Sunday, since for some absurd reason County Connection goes out there on Sundays but not holidays.

[proud patriot]

88. I can host a BBQ at my house

the 29th just so happens to be my birthday

[KamaAina]

90. Hau'oli la hanau!

(happy birthday :loveya: )

Sounds good to me. Alas, I'd have to be out of there by 6 or so. Thanks, transit-friendly Bay Area! :sarcasm:

[cally]

92. I can also host a barbecue but not on that date

Other dates work fine if someone else wants to let me know when they could make it. I live in Marin so mass transit is difficult, but not impossible. I also live in a place that overlooks the Marin county fair grounds. We can see the fireworks from my house if anyone would like to come over and watch fireworks any evening from June 30 - July 4. I would prefer to not have an event on the 4th because it's too crazy at my house then.

[cally]

91. I'm sorry about your Mom

I have not been around DU much so I have failed to check in to this thread until today. I need to cancel my participation, also, because of similar issues. My dad just had a stroke and needs assistance. I'm the only child near by so I need to be around to go to doctor's appointments and give moral support until we figure out a longer term assistance plan.

[david13]

93. Well, I have just returned from my 9 day trip to Utah. So now it is

time to start planning my next visit to Yosemite.
I have an invite going from Coarsegold, just south of there.
I had planned on going around the 16th of July, as there was to be a convention to the north, Pioneer, Amador County, actually, but then they changed it to July 2.
That is a holiday weekend and not my preference, plus I need to be at Yosemite after July 13th.
So, I need to think. But I will be there ... again.
I would be very happy to see some of you get up there. Or better yet, all of you.
dc

[KamaAina]

94. Looks like we dodged a bullet

it'll be just as miserable up there this weekend as it will be at the coast. :grr:

Anyone got any other ideas?

[proud patriot]

95. buddling up at home

:-( Happy Junuary :-(

[pinboy3niner]

96. I was in Bishop June 2 ...

The roads to Yosemite from there remained closed, and I listened as the motel desk clerk advised some European tourists to drive all the way up to Lake Tahoe and around to the western side to try to gain access to the park.

Happy January, indeed! :)