National Park #1, canceled March 25, 2018
Driving in from Oakhurst, after a visit to the World Famous Talking Bear, we were glad we picked up chains the day before because we ended up needing them a little ways past Wawona. Thankfully our vehicle’s all wheel drive meant we didn’t need to put them on, but my sister’s van did. She led the charge to figure out the instructions and ended up with a new life skill.
Our plan was to go to Badger Pass so the kids could sled for a little while, but we obviously don’t come to Yosemite very much in the winter and didn’t know sledding wasn’t allowed there. So we turned around and went the rest of the way into the valley. My niece and nephews were especially enthralled with the stunning views, waterfalls, and granite monoliths since they had never been before. After yelling through the Wawona Tunnel (because that’s what you do in tunnels) and stopping for the iconic park photo, we visited Bridalveil Fall. This time, the trail signs that said “Icy” weren’t lying! We made it to the base of the falls, and while no one hurt themselves, not everyone remained standing the whole time.
Before lunch, we went to the visitor center and picked up Junior Ranger booklets, then took the shuttle bus to the Ahwahnee. We intended to get lunch there, but they were only offering Sunday brunch, which was way too expensive for our blood. So we shuttled back to Degnan’s Kitchen for sandwiches and pizza. Back at the visitor center, we watched a film about the park and explored the Miwok village and museum.
I was shocked when everyone finished shopping three minutes earlier than we said we wanted to be done, and we had just enough time to walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop, where we saw five deer! Over at the parking lot between Cook’s Meadow and Stoneman Bridge, we saw a coyote on the hunt for supper. On our way out of the park, we caught Bridalveil Fall and Valley View in glorious sunset light. Dinner was at the River Restaurant at Yosemite View Lodge, and we made it to our hotel in Mariposa around 10:00. We did a lot, but one day is never enough for Yosemite!
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