Mary Jo Kelly Nick Julia Carina Renee Matt Ryan

Friday morning we leave on our trip to Yosemite for a fun-filled weekend. After taking an unexpected detour at Oakhurst we end up on Hwy 140 instead of Hwy 41, and go through El Portal (an extra drive of 2 hours), we finally make it to the Wawona area in Yosemite Friday, 10/25/02 Kelly at Cedar Lodge, El Portal, where we briefly stopped.

We arrive at the Redwoods, a community near the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite. We check in, and go straight to our cabin, 2B. Friday, 10/25/02

We have a great cabin, owned by the Covey family. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 full living rooms, two dining areas, 2 bathrooms, a big deck, and all of the amenities…. There are even plenty of blankets and pillows that Renee and I find … on our 3 rd day there! Front of the cabin There’s a story about these here “mountain goats” Friday, 10/25/02

Our Cabin – Back view

Once we get to the cabin, the kids can hardly wait to get out & explore a little. Friday, 10/25/02 Exploring the Rock The Lumberjack Girls Rule! Catch me if you can! Mr. Cool Come and Get It!

Since we are so close to Halloween, the kids carve pumpkins to light and set out Friday, 10/25/02 Want some?

Julia prepares delicious pork chops for everyone, and we enjoy dinner together on our first night. Friday, 10/25/02 As soon as it starts getting dark, we get a fire going, and enjoy the warmth from the fireplace.

Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday Matt and Ryan Happy Birthday to you Friday, 10/25/02

After dinner and a birthday cake dessert, the kids finish up their pumpkins. It is already getting very cool, but they are determined. Friday, 10/25/02 Pumpkin carving is interrupted, however, by a curious doe and fawn who come to investigate.

The kids show off their works of art. Friday, 10/25/02 After a long day on the road, and a nice evening of relaxation, it’s time for everyone to go to bed.

The group with the High Sierra in the background Saturday, 10/26/02 Saturday morning we head off to Glacier Point and the Valley. First stop is Washburn Point, where you have views of the High Sierra, waterfalls, and God’s country. Renee, Ryan, & Matt

Saturday, 10/26/02 Washburn Point The Kids

Saturday, 10/26/02 Glacier Point 3,000 feet above the valley

Saturday, 10/26/02 The Ahwahnee Hotel From Glacier Point The Boys I came … I saw … I conquered

Saturday, 10/26/02 Bridalveil Falls It’s only a 5 minute walk to the base of the falls, but then the kids wanted to climb the rocks & that was a challenge.

Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley The bike trails follow the roads (dark red lines). We rent the bikes at Curry Village, and go exploring. Renee takes off

Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley The day is cool, and the air is fresh. We are surrounded by the gentle breeze as we ride along the grassy meadow. Soon we venture into the forest

Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley

Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley The dogwood brightens up Yosemite with its red, gold, and green leaves

Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley After seeing the Ahwahnee from Glacier Point, we all ride to the Hotel to enjoy the beautiful décor. North Dome

Saturday, 10/26/02 Roasting marshmallows over an open fire But, Mama – This is a MARSHMALLOW

Autumn Leaves Early morning deer Woodpecker Rising moon Wawona Dome Views from early walk in the morning Sunday, 10/27/02

Playing Hand Games Riding on the Yosemite Mt. Sugar Pine Train This historic railroad is located in Fish Camp, just before you arrive at the south entrance to Yosemite

Sunday, 10/27/02 Hmmm… What goes through the mind of a teenager? Riding on the Yosemite Mt. Sugar Pine Train

Sunday, 10/27/02 Mariposa Grove Giant sequoias live in the Mariposa Grove. The Grizzly the left is over 1800 yrs old, and the large limb jutting out to the left has a diameter of over 6 feet. The Wawona Tunnel Tree fell in the winter of 1969, and is now known as the Fallen Tunnel Tree

Sunday, 10/27/02 Mariposa Grove

Sunday, 10/27/02 The California Tree Mariposa Grove

Sunday, 10/27/02 Grizzly Giant Mariposa Grove

Sunday, 10/27/02 We have an unexpected guest when we come home Wawona Dome at sunset Alpenglow Nick & Carina watch the deer up close

Sunday, 10/27/02 Enjoying the evening together

Monday, 10/28/02 Morning Hike to Chilnualna Falls

Monday, 10/28/02 The moon and an incense cedar tree Nick

Monday, 10/28/02

The base of Chilnaulna Falls

Monday, 10/28/02 Kids relax on the big rock near the base of Chilnualna Falls

Monday, 10/28/02 Checking out the base Chilnaulana Falls

Monday, 10/28/02 On the trail Morning Hike

Monday, 10/28/02 Some deer come to say Goodbye

Monday, 10/28/02

Up close and personal We realize that deer like pumpkin! Yummy

Monday, 10/28/02 Seven deer come to greet us – we’ve seen a total of 30 this weekend. Whoops, there they go!

Monday, 10/28/02

Nick watches as the deer leave ~ a perfect way to end our trip

Highlights

TheEnd