September 13, 2005
Yosemite 2005: Itinerary
For years and years and years, my parents kept saying, "Let's go camping!" And we never did. So for Christmas last year, I made reservations at Yosemite's Housekeeping Camp, ten months in advance. To make everything smoother, I also provided them with the following itinerary, that worked like a charm. Perfect for a nice, two-day getaway.
***
Thursday, Sept 8
8:15p - Carolyn arrives in San Diego and picks up full size car.
Drives to Alpine
9:30p - Load up car and drive to Los Angeles. Yosemite is 320 miles
from Los Angeles, and is expected to take six hours.
Friday, Sept 9
8:00a - Depart Los Angeles for six-hour drive. We'll be taking Hwy 41
to Yosemite's South Gate entrance. On our way, we'll make a slight
detour to the Madera Wine Trail, which features about a dozen wineries
including Quady, the producers of Essensia. Essensia is that sweet
dessert wine made from orange muscat grapes. Dad won't like it, but
mom will. We'll pick up a couple bottles to enjoy around the
campfire.
3:00p - Arrive in Yosemite via South Gate entrance. Proceed to
Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite Valley. Located
in the heart of Yosemite Valley, camp is within walking distance of
all major attractions and is on the valley shuttle route, stop 12.
Facilities include central restroom and shower facilities and a small
grocery store.
4:00p - 1/2 mile easy hike. Lower Yosemite Fall, shuttle stop 7. This
easy walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, the fifth highest waterfall
in the world, consisting of upper and lower falls dropping 2,425 feet
into two mighty cataracts that flow into the Merced River.
6:00p - Dinner: Mountain Room at Yosemite Lodge. Shuttle stop 8.
"Blond wood paneling, low lights and the killer view of Yosemite Falls
make this a grand dinner house, not formal but with considerable
panache." This is one of the few places in the Valley that offers
outdoor dining in the summer. No reservations, come early.
Post-dinner, return to campsite for fire and wine!
Saturday, Sept 10
8:00a - Breakfast at the Dining Room at the Ahwahnee Hotel, shuttle
stop 3. "One of the most famous and impressive dining rooms in the
world, this is a stunner -- 130 feet long, lined with tall windows
looking onto a meadow and forest setting, with huge wrought-iron
chandeliers hanging from a 34-foot-tall ceiling." Menu includes
omlettes, frittatas, apple crepes and tradtion fare.
9:00a - Get pack lunch at Yosemite Lodge Food Court, shuttle stop 8
10:00a - 3-mile hike. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, shuttle stop 16.
"Begins on a paved steep trail climbing 400 feet in elevation to the
bridge and close-up views of Vernal Fall, which drops over a 317-foot
cliff in a wide, mighty stream encircled by rainbows at its base.
Bring a parka for the cold, drenching spray. There are restrooms and
a water fountain located here. From here, can take the half-mile
mountain side trail to the top of the fall...this hike gives you the
most scenery and thrills for the shortest distance." Should take
about two hours. We'll eat our lunches at the top overlooking Emerald
Pool.
1:00p - Curry Village for shopping and coffee. Carolyn would like to
check out the Mountain Shopping store for gear. ;) Shuttle stop 20.
3:00p - Drive around until dinner. Sights we will want to see: Half
Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, etc. etc.
6:00p - Dinner at Wawona. Hwy 41, 2 miles from the South Gate
entrance. Directed by a fabulous head chef, the menu is a cross
between California cuisine and American comfort food. . Recently
redecorated, has views of the beautiful hotel grounds and glowing
sunsets over Wawona Meadow. No reservations.
Post-dinner, return to campsite for fire and wine!
Sunday, Sept 11
6:00a - Pack up! Breakfast at Curry Village Coffee Corner, shuttle
stop 14 (or drive). Depart Yosemite by 8a. Carolyn's flight from SDA
is at 5:55p.
Posted by carolyn at 01:13 PM | Comments (1)