Yosemite – 6/16 – 18

Now it’s time to explore new territory, so we’re going to the tiny town of Wawona,  and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

This tree is 31 feet across at the base.  It is believed to be 2,700 years old.
The Tunnel Tree

Our next stop is the Wawona Hotel.

Now undergoing renovations, this hotel grew from the original building, a log cabin, which was constructed by Galen Clark in 1856 along the main trail into Yosemite Valley.  He became known as the guardian of Yosemite after convincing Congress of the importance of the Giant Sequoias and the surrounding area.   In 1864, President Lincoln signed into law the Yosemite Grant, protecting Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove for public use.
Lobby of the Wawona Hotel
The dining room, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch.

*  *  * 

One last look at Bridalveil Falls, then we’ll return to our camper.

On Monday, we’ll drive into El Portal on the Merced River.  The Yosemite View Lodge, located there, was another lodging choice of ours, especially when we had visitors.  We always chose rooms with balconies overlooking the river.   Now, on this current visit, we have discovered that the hotel has done extremely well (despite Covid!), and it is now so large that it couldn’t fit into one photo frame. 

Trees and shrubs have grown along the Merced River, so the rushing river waters are much less visible from the road.  The Arch Rock entrance, however, remains the same.

It’s an exciting way to enter the park!
Leaving our campground and Yosemite on Tuesday morning, first we’re going up,
then down, and on our way.

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