Yosemite

Yosemite

My Husband and I had planned to visit Yosemite in July after attending the water polo games of some of our grandchildren in San Jose. We were not able to do that and rescheduled that trip for this past October which coincided with us barely having moved into our new home. So while we could have postponed it again, we decided to ‘give it a whirl”. The dogs were not happy with our decision, which is evidenced by their photos from doggy camp, but they did manage to survive the experience!

We had moved our reservations to “The Narrow Guage Inn”, which was recommended by TripAdvisor. What could go wrong? We got off to a later start than we had planned, which seems to happen pretty often. Because of this we arrived at the inn several hours later than anticipated. By that I also mean that when we arrived, it was well past dusk and as you can imagine when traveling through the forest at night –very dark.

Of course I had called ahead to let them know that we would be arriving later than anticipated and tried to confirm our accommodations. It turns out that the term “accommodations” may have been a ‘stretch” for the level of lodging we came to find.

By that I mean that when we arrived, as I said, in the dark, and were given the keys to our room, I really did expect quaint and comfortable. And for the rate we had been charged, it did not seem as though it would have been an unreasonable expectation, but what we found garnered this from my husband, “well the bed isn’t bad”. Not the glowing accolade one might hope for when entering what is supposed to be one’s “new digs” for a few days. I really tried to be at ease and found it impossible. There was no way I could have anticipated no closet and a rod impersonating a closet, being situated directly across from the toilet. While that would lend itself to being able to contemplate one’s attire for the day while engaged in another activity, kind of like “multi-tasking”, it was not the ‘Zen” experience I was going for. This combined with the tile that was lifting in what can only be described as a makeshift shower/afterthought and I pretty much became convinced that this would not do.

Just the thought of showering in that contraption gave me anxiety and found me negotiating with myself about whether I was willing to shower in it at all and how I probably would get that dirty in a few days anyway, right?

The next morning we dressed and went to the lodge’s office for the coffee and muffins advertised, only to find a “pay as you go” Keurig machine with surprisingly hot water, and no muffins. So off to find coffee and breakfast elsewhere.

We found ourselves a little bit up the road at the restaurant in the “Tenaya Lodge” and it was during breakfast that a new plan was began to form in my mind, I just had to sell it to my husband. After some pleading and initially agreeing to just check to see if they had any rooms available, I was off to the front desk.

It wasn’t long before a room was secured there and after viewing the room beforehand, we were in.

A quick trip back to the other place to gather our belongings and the room switch was underway. Once re-settled in our new “digs” I heaved a sigh of relief and felt confident that the trip had just taken a turn for the better. Our stay there had been prepaid and therefore non-refundable, but at that point, it seemed like a small price to pay.

The new room had a closet and a superior shower, in addition to a bed that I daresay was more than “not bad”.

Thank you Tenaya Lodge! We will definitely be back!

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

When planning this trip, the Sugar Pine railroad was recommended and I had secured those reservations then and rescheduled.

At over one hundred years old, this steam powered railroad experience after a BBQ dinner was wonderful! While waiting for our food, there was entertainment via a four piece band with banjos, guitars and a cowbell. What fun this albeit variety show turned out to be. In between songs and jokes, there were numerous tales of the railroad and its evolution to what it is today.

Initially utilized by the lumber industry, this quaint train takes you out to the forest, where you disembark and gather in a makeshift outdoor theatre with a rustic stage and a campfire. Everyone is encouraged to sing-a-long with songs I think most of us learned in second grade. At least those of us who grew up in the public school system in the sixties and seventies.

Then it ends with a rendition of “America the Beautiful” where everyone participated. Everyone. I am not going to lie, this brought tears to my eyes. The fact that we can gather like that from all over and have share some music and laughter sprinkled with some jokes. Certainly an uplifting experience filled with lots of interesting details, again, about this little railroad, its history and its rail cars and from the people who have kept it running these many years. An inspiration for sure.

If you plan to go, I recommend taking care of your reservations for this fun experience as soon as you can, as it fills up quickly I am told. It is closed in the winter months.

Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures

My husband and I frequently go horseback riding when we go on vacation. This has given us a wide array of experiences across different landscapes and altitudes, in different climates across different states.

I say that with the knowledge that this experience was “head and shoulders” above most of the others. The attention to training and care of the horses, before setting off on the trail was the most “in-depth” training we have been through in advance of a ride. And it doesn’t appear to matter what level of rider you are, the owner and the guides take the time to be sure you can maneuver the horse left and right, in a circle and that you can stop the horse. In addition, they want to make sure that you do not pull up abruptly on the reins. They appear to want to make sure that the horses are treated as they would be if one of them were riding. A beautiful tribute and commitment to these kind and beautiful, gentle giants.

The ride took us four miles through the forest and crossed a stream twice. Another remarkable thing, there were fourteen of us on this ride, more people than we have ever had on a ride that we have been on and with no issues, safety or otherwise. We definitely plan to go back and would encourage you to visit, when in their “neck of the woods”!

Tesla’s Charging Stations

On another note, it was amazing how many electric vehicle charging stations could be found on the Tenaya Lodge site, in the parking lot. Which was lucky for all the Teslas we saw up there.

And while in the park, what majestic beauty you see in these proud trees that have stood the test of time. To those fallen beauties, they remain as if “lying in state”. Untouched it seems by the ravages of civilization, there for us to gaze at with wonder.

Also, the friendly staff and clean condition that you find the park, the staff and facilities to be in throughout Yosemite, the park is impressive. A really solid example of how a successful federal body can be managed. Great job!

Thank you Tenaya Lodge! We will definitely be back!