Yosemite

[Nutsy]

Have any of you been to Yosemite & if so what is it like??

Is it worth a visit & what is there to see there? Do you need to stay overnight or could you do there & back in the same day??

 

[JasonLyons]

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Nutsy.... shhhh don't tell anyone this....

Yosemite is my very favorite place in the world - If I had only one day left, I'd spend it in Yosemite....

Link to our afternoon in Yosemite 2002
http://www.megspace.com/travel/maryjomw/2002_yosemite_23.htm

Link to a few days we spent in Yosemite in 2000
http://www.megspace.com/travel/maryjomw/Yosemite2000.htm


And.... we're going there this weekend for four days. I can hardly wait!!!

In my opinion, Yosemite is worth the visit. You can go there in just one day, but I recommend at least three to get some good quality time in the park. When do you plan on going, and what kind of activities do you like?

 

[Nutsy]

Mary Jo.........not sure at this stage just when we will be going. Not long back from 3 weeks in the States & didn't have the time to see Yosemite. We were pushed for time to see everything else & Yosemite just wasn't able to be fitted in this time round.

DH really would like to go there, but we just didn't know quite what was there & if it was actually worth a visit or not. Not knowing just what it has to offer makes the decision as to how much time to spend there difficult.

What would you say is the best time to go there?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Well, seeing as you'd be travelling quite a distance to get here, I'd recommend late spring/early summer as prime visiting time because the waterfalls are strong - you could say that they're in their full glory, and the summer crowds haven't really descended on the valley yet - I say valley because that is the #1 destination in the entire park.

Another place to consider visiting (since you're in the area anyways) would be Sequoia National Park, located 3 hours south of Yosemite and about 5.5 hours north of the Los Angeles area. Sequoia has the largest living thing in the world there - called the General Sherman tree - the largest limb on that tree has a diameter of 6.6 feet, or roughly 2 meters - I could stand inside that one branch - in fact, that branch is so big that Dan Murphy could practically stand tall inside ... if it were hollow -- now, that is one big tree!!

Anyways, take a look at my links of Yosemite and Sequoia - I'll be happy to answer any questions.

 

[mamajoan]

Hi, We are approx a 3 hour drive to Yosemite.. I really think it is a truely beautiful experience. Personally, I enjoy it in late winter, early spring when there is still snow.. wow gorgeous. My disability prevents me from experiencing some of the trails but thanks to a strong dh and flexible kids we do our best to see most of the sites. Waterfalls surrounded by snow.. Amazingly breathtaking.

You can do Yosemite in 2 days.. maybe a trip to one of the goldmining towns would be a fun adventure too. You are within driving distance of San Francisco, Reno, San Jose and Sacramento which all have their own unique styles.

Some folks like camping.. there are different ways to camp at Yosemite.. from Tents to Yerts. The Hotels on site offer a variety of comforts... but don't look for a TV... none available.. who needs one at Yosemite.

Hope you get to come our way.. it is Nature at it's best.

 

[Nutsy]

Thanks guys...............

Well, of one thing I am sure, we will not be driving ourselves there

It was a living nightmare the three weeks we just spent over there with all the driving being done on the opposite side of the road to what we are used to. So, we will no doubt be looking at a tour bus to get us there & we would probably stay in a hotel unless they have onsite vans or cabins in the camping ground.

Now we have to work out when to come.

 

[Meriweather]

You're coming back......get up this way!!

 

[oldkicker]

I've visited Yosemite many a time and can only echo what your hearing here.

It is an absolutely beautiful place.

I would also allow a couple of days to really get out and explore the place.

Bring plenty of film.

 

[minniecarousel]

Planning a trip to Yosemite while visiting San Francisco is doable. I imagine that there are overnight tours from the city to Yosemite. (It's best to plan on 2-3- days, if you can.) If you do this, I would love to plan a Northern California DIS meet. We haven't had one in years (!!!)

 

[Disneyaholic]

Wow, I'm sooooo glad to see this thread! We have two nights booked at the Yosemite Lodge in June 2003. I can't wait.

I was at Yosemite when I was about 10 years old (and I'm not telling how many years ago THAT was...). My fondest memory was being able to swim in a small pool (natural pool) at the base of Yosemite Falls. (I think it was at the base of the upper falls?) I just remember that we had to do a little hike to get there, but I still remember it being one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

Can anyone refresh my memory on this? I remember a large rock out in the center that we swam to... Do they still allow tourists to swim there?




thanks for any and all info

 

[DisOrBust]

We are also tossing the Idea of Yosemite around. We are popup campers and would love to csmp there but what about the bears? Is it true you can't have one bit of food in your camper or car? That is really hard to do with 3 DDs who constantly are dropping food. I am afraid our campsite would be a bear buffet.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Swimming at the bottom of Yosemite Falls? Hmmmm.... when the water is low you can wade in there, but I don't remember any swimming, per se. The Merced River does have swim holes there, but it depends on what time of year you go -- early summer the water is too fast and the waterfalls are too powerful. You'd need to go at the end of July to be able to approach the bottom of the falls (in my opinion). We went one drought year, and were able to swim in the Emerald Pool above Vernal Falls, and slide down the Silver Apron (if any of you know the landmarks there).

As for the bears - it's absolutely true - you cannot have food in your car or camper unless you want to risk a bear tearing it open - literally. There are good sized 'bear boxes' which are made out of steel where you can leave your food. Don't worry about the bears, though - they won't harm you - they just want your chocolate, or other goodies they can fatten up on. If you follow the rules, you won't have any problems, but you WILL have a lot of wonderful memories.

(side note -- In 2000, we were camping in Sequoia, and we saw bears 8 times - one night, I even had to chase one out of our campground cuz my cousin didn't latch the bear box & the bear went in after our chocolate -- of course, I woke the neighbors to help me, and we kept our distance -- making a lot of noise did the trick in chasing it away, though)

 

[mamajoan]

Mary Jo is not kidding about the bears.. If you use the Bear Boxes provided at every campsite you will be AOK.. if not prepare to be putting in a major claim to your insurance agencies for considerable bear damage. We had friends who left their toothpaste on the front seat of their hard top jeep. Upon returning from a hike they found a big old bear on top of their jeep pawing at the windows. So it is important to keep everything that is on the "bear list" in the bear box.


MinnieC.. I would love a dis meet.. it would be my very first one.

Joan

 

[Nutsy]

Minniecarousel ............we were just over there. In California that is. SF is very pretty & would love to see more of it.

Meriweather...........been there too.............well to the airport that is (twice)

 

[Nutsy]

Ok guys..........another question for you............

Do you know how far Yellowstone is from Yosemite??

Is Yosemite closer to SF or LA??

 

[Meriweather]

Originally posted by Nutsy
[B}
Meriweather...........been there too.............well to the airport that is (twice) [/B]

LOL I don't think the airport does our gorgeous state justice

 

[Nutsy]

Guess not, but at least I can say I've been to Washington State

 

[Meriweather]

got this from mapquest......

FROM:
Yosemite - Half Dome Trail
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 US

TO:
Yellowstone Natl. Park, WY US

Total Distance: 934.01 miles Total Estimated Time: 20 hours, 38 minutes

 

[Nutsy]

That's some travelling

Somehow I don't think DH will get his wish of seeing both parks.


Oh & if & when we do get back over there, we will be heading your way. Going to Alaska again & hopefully Canada as well, so Seattle at least is on this list