National Parks – What a deal!
This last year the word came out that there will be a price increase for the National Parks senior lifetime pass. Currently the cost is $10. August 28, 2017 is when the new prices go into effect. Recently passing the age requirement, I was able to purchase my pass when we visited the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site . My cost was only $10, but it will still be a tremendous deal at the new cost of $80.
Our National Parks are a national treasure. In 1872, Yellowstone became the first National Park created in the world. The National Parks are the best place to begin traveling in the U.S. For this reason, we will begin a series of posts about our National Parks.
Yosemite – Awe Inspiring
In 1964, my family took a two-week vacation to California with my maternal grandparents. Even though I was only nine years, the vivid imagery of the majestic scenes are still with me. However, we only spent one day. I knew I had to go back. When I found out that Naomi had never been to California (except in an airport), I knew we needed to go and spend some time there. So, in 2005, we traveled to San Francisco, spent a few days, and then drove our rental car to Yosemite. While in San Francisco, the news had reported that Yosemite Valley was closed due to flooding caused by the melting of the snows. By the time we got there however, the Valley was open even though at times we drove over some water on the road.
What to see and what to do
There are numerous books written about what to see and do in Yosemite, check out Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. Also make sure and check the National Park website so that can have the latest information about the park. Here some suggestions from our experience.
- Make sure and spend more than one day. Stay either in the park or close by. We stayed 4 nights at a bed and breakfast about 15 miles outside the west entrance to the park. If you want to stay at one of the lodges in the park, you must plan months ahead. Even if you are camping, you must make advanced reservations.
- We were not disappointed by going in May. The snow was beginning to melt and the volume of the falls and streams were 180% of normal for that time of year. The road to Glacier Point opened during the week we were there. However, the Tioga Road was still closed due to snow. The longer you wait, the less water in the falls. Often the falls dry up in August.
- Take the time to go on at least one half a day hike. You need to check the maps and plan what works for you. We hiked the John Muir trail up to the Vernal Falls. After spending time at the falls, we then hiked down the Mist Trail. Nothing compares to seeing some beautiful scenery up close and personal.
- There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than the huge sequoia trees in the Mariposa Grove. If you plan on going to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, you may choose not to visit the grove in Yosemite. However, I think you can’t see too many of these beauties.
If you have a bucket list, Yosemite should definitely be on it. I would love to go back and see the parts of the park that I missed. However, there are some many places we have not been. Alas, this is the dilemma of being a traveller.
