Yosemite in the spring
by Samantha Shankle, Outpost Staff
Yosemite National Park is thought to be one of the 10 greatest wonders of the world. Near the eastern border of central California, Yosemite comprises about 1,170 square miles of wilderness- only 5.5 percent inhabited.
With raging waterfalls, sheer granite formations, and awe inspiring beauty, it is no wonder that Yosemite attracts more than 4.1 million visitors a year. As John Muir wrote in his diary about Yosemite, "As long as I live, I will ever after hear waterfalls and birdsong winds sing, I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near to the heart of the world as I can."
Yosemite has always been a dream for me, living so close (about three hours southwest of Reno by way of Tioga Pass) yet I had never found the time to visit this other part of the Sierra Nevada. I have always heard fabulous tales about Yosemite in the spring, the limited amount of people, the rushing waterfalls and snow- capped peaks. I wanted to experience Yosemite without the mayhem of the summer R.V. warriors, to attempt a quiet trip to one of the most visited national parks in the country. I targeted a date that I felt to be a guaranteed slow weekend- - Easter Sunday with snow in the forecast.
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Bridal Veil Falls Photo by: J.Pata |
I soon came to realize why Renoites may not want to venture to Yosemite in the Spring. Tioga Pass, the eastern gateway into Yosemite, is closed until the early part of June, or until the snow melts. The only way to reach Yosemite is to seriously backtrack. My boyfriend and I pulled the map out to assess our situation, and found the fastest, and actually most scenic route to be south on Hwy.88 ( by Kirkwood) to Hwy 49 south and then hook up to Hwy 120 into the valley.
Instead of a mere three hours, we were warned that the trip could take up to 12 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. I packed a few sandwiches in case of any road delays, and felt the excitement of a prosperous adventure. We departed Lake Tahoe at about 9 a.m.wanting to at least drive through Yosemite Valley when we arrived before checking into our hotel.
We soon found that our drive was going to be prolonged immensely by all of the alluring antique stores along Hwy.88 near Jackson. I would squeal out "stop," every mile or so, but soon found the raggedy little places too expensive. It seems they have perfected the art of looking cheap to lure the traveler inside, and then wham! everything is overpriced.
We continued on our way, through beautiful, green rolling hills and gawked at the blooming wildflowers and Dogwood trees. Spring was in the air despite the cloudy, overcast day. We approached Hwy 120 and were actually making good time. I was bouncing around in my seat (weak bladder) as we approached the northern entrance into Yosemite.
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The road was closed due to an overturned bus and poor road conditions. People waited in line impatiently as half snow and rain poured down. I kept looking around noticing the thick blanket of fog covering the mountains. After about an hour they cleared the road and began to let people pass. We paid our $20 entrance fee (good for one week) and began the slow, 30 mph. desent into Yosemite.
Everyone always told me to be prepared when you exited the tunnel- that the view
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Photo by:J.Pata |
The fog had settled in Yosemite Valley, leaving only the imagination to wander. I pulled out a magazine that the ranger had given us back at the entrance and pointed at the pictures. " This is what's supposed to be over there," I told Jason. He smiled faintly, cranky over the long drive. We mused over the fact that the valley could be foggy all weekend, and that sigh tseeing would be extremely limited. What's Yosemite without the view?
We made our way out of the valley and headed south towards Fish Camp. The road was very slippery, and the 30 mile drive extended into one hour. We arrived at the best site we had seen all day, the Tenaya Lodge. This beautiful place stood majestically against the background of trees. The entry hall exuded rustic charm, with rock floor and soaring beamed ceilings. Guests lounged around the roaring fire, curled up on the cushy couches reading books. If there was ever a hotel that made you feel at home, this was the place. (Actually it was much nicer and more comfortable than my home.) We checked in and sat around the hotel, waiting for the weather to break.
copyright 5/10/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost
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