The Senate discussed this worthless place in 1864. Senator John Conness of California said, in reference to Yosemite, that these “premises in the Sierra Nevada mountains…are for all public purposes worthless” and “of no value to the Government.” Another senator (William Kelley of Pennsylvania) was later paraphrased as saying that Yosemite Valley was a “far inferior wonder” compared to Yellowstone. By then, Yosemite (and its native inhabitants) had already been disrespected by the name the place had received in 1851. The Mariposa Battalion, venturing into the Yosemite area to forcibly remove all Indians they encountered, figured that they should name the place after the Indians who had (up until then) lived there. They had been told that the Indians that lived in Yosemite Valley were called “Yohemite” (or something similar). Thus, they named the place Yosemite. Unfortunately, the people living in Yosemite Valley called themselves “Ahwahneechee” (which translates to people of Ahwahnee; Ahwahnee means “place of the gaping mouth”). More unfortunately, “Yohemite” means something like “killers.” Since other local Indians apparently referred to the Ahwahneechee as Yohemites, it’s interpreted to mean “among them are killers.” It’s really unclear why they were called that.
THE COARSEGOLD HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS TWO SCHEDULED STAGE ROUTE TOURS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 23, 2011 AND OCTOBER 15, 2011 FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.. THE FEES FOR MEMBERS IS $35.00 AND NON-MEMBERS $40.00. PLEASE CONTACT CHS AT 559-642-4242 .
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Tenaya Lodge Offers Custom Yosemite Wedding Packages for Once-in-a-Lifetime Occasions
FISH CAMP, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — At the four-diamond Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite weddings become breathtaking celebrations. Here, surrounded by the majestic Sierra National Forest, Yosemite National Park, mountains that reach to the heavens and high Sierra meadows that stretch out endlessly before you, your dream day will become a reality.
To create your perfect Yosemite wedding, Tenaya Lodge offers a wide range of packages that brides and grooms can customize for the ultimate celebration. Featuring your choice of venues, including the lodge’s 3,000-square-foot Signature Outdoor Terrace, 3,000-square foot Pavilion and the elegant 10,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, as well as a variety of outdoor settings, our unique Yosemite wedding packages come with an array of options, such as:
- Local, organic, sustainable menus
- Stylish decor, including table linens, ice sculptures and center pieces
- Local entertainment options, such as bands and DJs
- Spa packages for the bridal party and guests
- Children activities and Kids Adventure Club
- Pet services
- Special rates for overnight guests
- Organized tours, golf outings and adventures for guests
In addition, each Yosemite wedding package features the expert assistance of our on-site event coordinators who will work with you to make sure your day goes as planned. From coordinating events onsite to providing information on local florists, photographers and musicians, our Yosemite wedding specialists will be there every step of the way.
For complete details about all of the Yosemite wedding packages and options available at Tenaya Lodge, please visitwww.TenayaLodge.com/weddings.aspx or call 877-404-3712.
About Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is nestled in the Sierra National Forest, just 2 miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Lodge offers easy access to Yosemite’s most alluring attractions and all of the conveniences and services expected of an all-seasons luxury resort property. For more information, visit www.TenayaLodge.com.
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Sierra National Forest
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region
www.r5.fs.fed.us/
Sierra National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra
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Yosemite National Park, CA – November 2010 – Celebrating its 84th anniversary this holiday season, The Bracebridge Dinner is an American theatrical and culinary tradition that transforms the historic Ahwahnee Hotel into a 17th century English manor for an elaborate feast of food, song and mirth. The Ahwahnee is a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in the winter wonderland of Yosemite National Park. The evening celebration transports guests to Old England, where more than 60 professional singers, court characters and other performers tell the story of a Christmas feast with Lord Merrick of Bracebridge and his entertaining household. During each of eight performances, up to 300 guests enjoy a lavish, seven-course dinner inspired by elaborate Old English Christmas cuisine by The Ahwahnee’s Executive Chef Percy Whatley, with service meticulously choreographed as part of the show. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, with its 50-foot ceiling topped by massive sugar pine beams, serves as the Great Hall at Squire Bracebridge’s manor. The entire room is a stage, crowned by a Squire’s table at the far end of the room and decked with elaborate holiday decorations, many of which are restored originals from the first productions in the late 1920s.
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Enhancing The Bracebridge Dinner experience at The Ahwahnee are five special concert presentations in the hotel’s Great Lounge by the show’s producer, Bay Area-based Andrea Fulton, and her Chorale and soloists. The concerts feature musical performances of holiday favorites, as well as pieces from the opera and Broadway repertoire.
Where:
The Ahwahnee
1 Ahwahnee Drive
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
When:
The Bracebridge Dinner performances: December 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25, at 6 p.m.
The concerts, for which admission is free of charge, are: December 15, 17, 19, 21 at 8 p.m., and on December 23 at 3 p.m.
Tickets:
One- and two-night lodging packages for two are available at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and the Wawona Hotel. The regularly-priced 2010 package rates start at $1,150 plus tax, and include lodging for two, two tickets to The Bracebridge Dinner, gratuity, a portrait sitting and shuttle service for non-Ahwahnee guests. Dinner-only tickets are available for $425 (adults) and $265.50 (12 and under), including tax and gratuity. Single tickets are not available online. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.yosemitepark.com/bracebridge or call 801-559-4903.
Limited Half Price Offer:
A limited number of Bracebridge Dinner one-night packages are available at a 50% discount for the performances on December 13, 14 and 16 at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and December 14 at The Ahwahnee. Package includes lodging for two, two tickets to The Bracebridge Dinner, gratuity, a portrait sitting and shuttle service for non-Ahwahnee guests. First come, first served. Limited availability. Package starts at $508 at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls ($1,307 value) and $640 at The Ahwahnee ($1,299 value). For information and reservations, please call 801-559-4989 and mention promotional code “REDUCED” or visit www.yosemitepark.com/bracebridge-rate-bogo-2010.aspx.
*Package prices include gratuity, but exclude tax. Rates based on double occupancy. Additional costs associated with additional persons. Package may not be combined with other discounts, packages or special offers. No refunds for early check out or unused portions of package. Offer subject to change with NPS approval. Advance reservations are required. Package is for specific days, and The Bracebridge Dinner celebration will be on the second night of a two-night package. Additional person rates are available. Additional dinner tickets are available. Penalties will apply for cancellations made within 30 days of arrival date. Package rates do not apply to groups or suites.
About The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee is a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in scenic Yosemite National Park, which is home to stunning natural beauty, bountiful activities and historic charm. The Ahwahnee is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and has been accepted as a member of Historic Hotels of America, a program that recognizes hotel properties for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.
About DNC Parks & Resorts At Yosemite, Inc.
The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls are operated by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. (DNC), an affiliate of Delaware North Companies and the authorized National Park Service concessioner overseeing lodging, dining, guest recreation activities and transportation services in Yosemite.
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Garden. Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.
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Fish Camp, CA : August 31, 2010
The culprit behind a break in at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road owner Max Stauffer knew all too well what the damaged windows and mess in the kitchen of the popular Yosemite area attraction meant: He had had a break in.
However, it wasn’t a human that broke in to the kitchen Thursday night, but a juvenile black bear looking for food. The hungry omnivore had attempted to pry open one window before moving to an adjacent one, which he successfully pried open before climbing in.
Fortunately for Stauffer, the damage done was light. “It was pretty minimal, he broke windows and screens and ate some raisins,” Stauffer said. “Luckily, he didn’t get to the fridge. Spotter was in here, so I’m sure he was barking a lot. I’m just glad that he didn’t get too involved with the bear. The bear relatively small, but he was big enough. “
Spotter is Stauffer’s Border collie, a friendly dog who is well known to locals and regular riders of the historic steam train. In fact, photos of Spotter tend to get more attention than any other on the rail road’s Facebook page.
Stauffer estimated the bear’s size to be about 150-200 pounds, as he and other businesses in the area had caught glimpses of him recently. “We have seen him around here quite a bit, but he only broke in once. When they break in, that’s when I call the resource people,” Stauffer said.
Stauffer called a wildlife professional who then brought a trap up Saturday morning. When Stauffer arrived to the property Sunday morning, the bear was inside. The bear will be relocated to an area away from people, so he doesn’t become dependent on food from humans. “Both in the Sierra National Forst, where we are, and in Yosemite National Park, the officials always tell you to please let the animals stay wild, then they don’t count on humans for food. That’s what drives them to do what they’re doing, but they need to be able to forage for their own food. It’s a lot safer that way,” he said.
This is actually the fourth break in they’ve had at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road. “It’s not uncommon up here. Most of the time they’ll just knock a few trash cans over looking for stuff. We work hard to keep the exposure down. We have a bear proof bin and don’t leave anything out. But they recognize trash cans. Just because something looks like a garbage bag they’ll rip it open, even if it’s just our recycling.”
Another incident several years ago involved a mother and her two cubs. Stauffer said the cubs were small enough to climb through the windows of a residence on site. The two cubs scavenged for food from the kitchen and passed it back out the windows to their mother. “I came up on the mother bear, and all of a sudden two more came pouring out the windows. It was a pretty chaotic scene,” he said.
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road is located moments from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The popular attraction has two authentic steam-powered Shay locomotives that operate on track once used by loggers over a century ago, taking guests through the Sierra National Forest. The oldest of the two locomotives is 97 years old. On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, the railroad offers “Moonlight Tours” where guests enjoy a barbecue dinner, ride the train to the picnic area where there is entertainment. Also located on the property is the Thornberry Historic Museum with authentic equipment from the logging era, gold panning and a bookstore.
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Camping and Road conditions Sierra National Forrest
To Check on the latest road conditions and camping areas that are open click on the above.
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The Glacier Point Road opened on May 29, 2010.
The Tioga Road will open on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 8 am. No camping, lodging, or other services will be available along the road.
The road is currently open to bicycles from Crane Flat to Olmsted Point and from Tioga Pass to Olmsted point–but not through Olmsted Point avalanche zone. Bicyclists should be aware of rockfall potential and for maintenance/administrative vehicles using the road.
Note: Sonora Pass (Highway 108) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4), north of Yosemite, opened for the season on May 28.
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Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are now required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. This is an interim measure to increase safety along the cables while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail.
Beginning in 2010, all people using the Half Dome Trail above the subdome must have a permit in possession on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. (In 2010, federal holidays are May 31, July 5, Sept. 6, and Oct. 11.) A maximum of 400 permits will be issued each of these days (300 of these permits are available to day hikers). (Before the permit system, fewer than 400 people used this trail on weekdays, while about 800 people used this trail on weekends and holidays, on average.)
In 2010, permits are available up to about four months in advance to one week in advance only through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). Permits are not available in the park or on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand for permits will be very high; availability may last only a matter of minutes on the first day permits become available. Each permit has a service fee of $1.50 (which covers the cost of NRRS processing the permit; Yosemite does not receive any money).
Note: Backpackers with an appropriate wilderness permit can receive a Half Dome permit when they pick up their wilderness permit with no additional reservation required. Rock climbers who reach the top of Half Dome without entering the subdome area can descend on the Half Dome Trail without a permit.
The Half Dome Cables are usually in place and available for use the weekend before Memorial Day, conditions permitting. The last day to use them usually is Columbus Day Monday. We can not guarantee the cables will be available on any given date. If you choose to get a permit for dates in May or October, there is an increased chance the cables will not be in place.
If you are unable to hike Half Dome for any reason (including weather, cables not available, illness, etc.) on the day you have a permit, we will not be able to provide a permit for a different date.
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