Yosemite National Park

Monday 13 October 2008

Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.
Ansel Adams (famous American Photographer)

ok, that says it.

Please search Yosemite and get all the details of this magnificent area, we were lucky to be there in early October, some of the campsites were closed but the crowds were light so we could stop and marvel wherever we wanted and the temperatures were mild. I am not a hiker or camper or climber like Coz'n'Ob but can see the appeal.

Old Man Mountain?

Bridalveil Falls

I am really truly here, lots of pinching and STILL here.

The famous El Capitan and Half Dome

Looking down into a valley

Did not see any bears, sigh.



We spent most of day here, everything built on a grand scale.

Please note that a lot of the pics are taken through car windows while moving so may not be the best quality

Coz has always wanted to stay here, while waiting for the lottery win we settled for having lunch-

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a destination hotel in Yosemite National Park California on the floor of Yosemite Valley, constructed from stone, concrete, wood and glass, which opened in 1927. It is a premiere example of National Park Service Rustic architecture, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

The hotel was constructed from 5,000 tons (4,535 t) of rough-cut granite, 1,000 tons (907 t) of steel, and 30,000 feet (9,140 m) of timber. The 'wood siding' and 'structural timber' on the exterior of the hotel is actually formed of stained concrete poured into molds to simulate a wood pattern. Concrete was chosen as the material for the outside 'wood' elements to add fire resistance to the hotel. The construction lasted 11 months and had a cost of US$1,225,000 upon completion in July 1927.
The Ahwahnee Hotel's 150,000-foot² (13,935 m²) Y-shaped building has 99 hotel rooms, parlors and suites, each being accented with original Native American designs. 24 cottages bring the total number of rooms to 123.A room off the main lobby features skiing and Yosemite memorabilia. The building itself is designed to blend harmoniously with the nearby Yosemite Valley cliffs. Prices per night range from $439 to $1015.



We then drove down to Madera via Kings Canyon, now I am not sure what photo's were taken where.

Came down from the high country onto more flat agricultural land, ears are playing up a bit with so many changes.

We stayed the night at the ranch owned by Rob's aunt and uncle, more absolutely wonderful people and I would have loved to stayed longer.