Yosemite Outdoor Adventures Updated

by Christine Delsol
San Francisco Chronicle - January 23, 2005

Great outdoors: The Yosemite Association's Outdoor Adventure Program has been revamped for 2005, with half the roster consisting of new courses designed after polling existing members, course attendees, instructors and industry experts. New offerings include a three-day writer's workshop with author Natalie Goldberg ("Writing Down the Bones"); a course in backcountry navigational skills using Global Positioning System satellite technology; guided day hikes to such popular destinations as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, North Dome and Mount Dana; a botanical symposium; and a two-day, 8-mile backpacking trip to Half Dome's summit.

The popular, 33-year-old program offers more than 80 field courses including literature, photography and painting; natural and cultural history; outdoor skills; volunteer research projects; and two Family Camping Jamboree weekends. For more information, call (209) 379-2646 or go to www.yosemite.org.