|
| A Yosemite Contest for Spring! |
 |
We haven't challenged the Yosemite knowledge of our
readers for quite some time. To celebrate the coming of
spring, the successful Yosemite Birding Festival, and a
new edition of YA's Complete Guidebook to Yosemite
National Park, we've developed a simple three-
question contest to see how much you really know
about the park!
If anyone answers all three questions correctly, he or
she will win a Yosemite Birding Festival t-shirt
(sorry, the only size we have left is XL), a copy of
the new guidebook when it's available, and a
Half Dome SummitMark aluminum pin. In case
of a tie, we'll very objectively draw the winner out of a
hat.
You can only enter once (our mail box is only so large),
and while we will accept bribes, they will not affect the
outcome of the contest.
We encourage you to test your brain power! Entries
must be received by May 21; we'll let you know who
the winner is in the next issue of this newsletter.
For the contest questions and to enter... »
|
| Check Out the Great Lodges of the National Parks |
|
Those who have traveled to many of our well-known
national parks are familiar with classic hotels
and lodges that have been developed to accommodate
visitors over the years. This book is an illustrated
history celebrating the architectural treasures placed in
the midst of the parks' astonishing natural beauty.
The Ahwahnee, at the base of Yosemite's
majestic granite walls, Old Faithful Inn, beside
the geyser it is named after, and Paradise Inn,
with Mount Rainier towering above, stand as examples
of man's ability to be part of the landscape he set aside
to preserve.
This is the companion book to the PBS television series
that was launched by the author's earlier work,
Great Lodges of the West. The wilderness
landmarks and the scenic and wildlife splendor of the
national parks are presented together, with superb
color photographs, historical pictures, and a compelling
story meticulously researched.
This beautiful gift book will transport you to the
majestic lodges of our national parks to relive the glory
of past vacations or plan adventures anew. The volume
retails for $35, but with their 15% discount,
Yosemite Association members pay only $29.75.
For more about the book and to purchase... »
|
| Interior Secretary Visits Yosemite on Earth Day |
|
Interior Secretary Gale Norton had never visited
Yosemite National Park until Earth Day a little more than
a week ago, but she quickly discovered the feisty
politics of Yosemite Valley.
She toured a Merced River site where crews have
removed an old dam, then told the media that a lawsuit
by environmentalists prevented further restoration. She
said the Bush administration wants to complete the
restoration and support the natural conditions in the
park.
Environmentalists, who say Bush is attempting to
dismantle decades of environmental law, also attended
the Earth Day event. They took the opportunity to
point out that the lawsuit stopped a road re-routing
project.
Indeed, Norton, whose cabinet supervises the National
Park Service, came calling on Yosemite the same week
that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco
stopped seven projects costing more than $100
million. Norton addressed the environmental criticism
by noting that "we are re-routing roads and trails to
make it easier for people to get out and walk. In many
ways, we are doing the opposite of developing."
To read the full article about Norton's Yosemite visit... »
|
| Celebrate Women in Yosemite on Mother's Day! |
|
The Yosemite Outdoor Adventures program offers you
an opportunity to celebrate your mother's special day
with an outing in Yosemite. Join us on Sunday, May 9,
for this unique outing.
The day will begin with a scrumptious brunch at The
Ahwahnee dining room, to be followed with a leisurely
walk in Yosemite Valley. Along the way, your guide, YA
membership coordinator and experienced naturalist
Chrissy Knight, will relate fascinating stories, from past
to present, about Yosemite's remarkable women.
With the amazing spring weather we've been
experiencing in the park, the booming waterfalls
leaping from the valley rim, and the first wildflowers
making their appearances, it's a perfect time for a
perfect Mother's Day getaway.
The course fee, which includes the cost of the
Ahwahnee brunch, is normally $150. With their 15%
discount, however, YA members can participate in
this special Mother's Day outing for only $128!
To enroll in the Women in Yosemite course... »
|
|
| Early Opening for Tioga, Glacier Point Roads |
 |
|
Yosemite Superintendent Michael J. Tollefson
announced Friday that both the Glacier Point Road and
Tioga Road will open May 14, weather permitting.
For those who want to get an even earlier glimpse of
the park's high country, the Tioga Road is currently
open from Crane Flat to Yosemite Creek.
An unusually warm spring has allowed road crews to
clear the roads for an earlier than normal opening. The
National Park Service usually aims to open both roads
for the Memorial Day weekend. Tioga Road has opened
as early as April 8th (1977) and as late as July 1st
(1998).
Visitor services will not be immediately available on
either road. No drinking water, gasoline, or food service
will be available until water and wastewater systems
can be put in service. Services will be expanded as
conditions permit.
To read the NPS press release about the road openings...
|
|
