November 19: San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. Starting mileage: 37,495.
Our drive east across California on a Sunday morning was quiet, sunny, and we were happy. The sun was in our eyes, and the road sparkled. We passed vast grassy flatlands, farms and fields, vineyards, almond trees planted in rows, and pastures where black cows reigned. Today, we’d see Yosemite, THE third National Park, and OUR third National Park.
Ode to Scenic Vistas and Viewing Points
One of our favorite things to do was stop to stretch our legs at scenic vistas and viewing points. Mama Lucy took the opportunity to walk her Fitbit, while I made photographs. Whether they’re called Observation Points, Scenic Turn-outs, Scenic Overlooks, Vista Points–all viewpoints have handsome views. But not all viewpoints are themselves scenic. Amidst the allure of the surrounding area, these viewing spaces are usually paved parking lots, sometimes populated by picnic tables, bathrooms, and overflowing trash cans. But, at this one, I noticed the lovely blonde hair-like grasses and admired the peaceful viewpoint as much as “the view”.
The Rim Wildfire Area
As we passed through Stanislaus National Forest and neared Yosemite National Park, we entered an area blackened by a forest fire. We stopped at another viewpoint, and stood staring at a barren valley full of leafless, toothpick trees. Above us, massive power lines hummed and crackled. A sign directed us to hear more about the Rim Fire.
The Rim Fire broke out in mid-August 2013, caused by a hunter’s illegal campfire. He stupidly lit a fire during a hot, dry, windy time when a fire ban was in place. The fire burned more than 90,000 acres in just a matter of days. Finally, nine weeks later, the fire was contained. But it was a full year before the smoldering fire was declared “out”. In the end, the Rim Fire destroyed more than 100 buildings. Fortunately, no humans died. I can only imagine how much more devastating this was for the wildlife–how many nests or dens destroyed? How many animal deaths? The hunter was charged with a felony, though the charges were later dropped because the only two witnesses against him died.
Yosemite!
Yosemite is the USA’s third National Park, established in 1890. Abraham Lincoln first protected the land in 1864 with the Yosemite Grant. But still development continued. Farm animals grazed in the valley. Hunters poached wildlife. More tourists came. More roads were built. Naturalist and conservationist John Muir argued for greater protection, and in 1890, the Yosemite Act passed. This act protected the trees in Sequoia National Park (the second park, beating Yosemite by about two weeks) and the natural formations and minerals in Yosemite.
Thankfully, passionate John Muir continued to argue for a greater idea to preserve and protect the great wild lands of America. One night in 1903, around a campfire in Yosemite with President Theodore Roosevelt, Muir made his point. The idea for the National Park Service was born. While the Park Service was not officially up and running until 1916, a 1906 Act formally gave Yosemite to the United States for protection. The National Park Service…America’s Best Idea. Thank you John Muir!
On the Valley Floor, Yosemite National Park
At last, we drove down to the Valley Floor and to the foot of El Capitan. There are no words to describe the scale beyond the fields of high grass, where the double-decker Yosemite waterfall fell from a massive granite mountain. Tiny people crossed the field in front of us.
The sun leaves the valley
We left Yosemite’s Valley floor just after the sun did. Driving out of the canyon, we watched the sun ride up the granite cliffs. We’d make it to our hotel in Merced, California after dark. Happy and exhausted, we were delighted to learn that nearby Mountain Mike’s Pizza had a salad bar!
Finally, if you’re going on a road trip, please support your NATIONAL PARKS! The $80 spent on an annual pass was THE BEST $80 spent on our trip. We are lucky that such ardent and influential people moved on an idea to protect such magical and majestic places. Go! See the parks. Appreciate the last remaining wild spaces. And thank your lucky stars that someone had the foresight and passion to care and fight for nature.
Click the links to read more about our visits to Arches National Park and Redwood National and State Parks.
Some photos are available for sale on my Etsy site. THANK YOU!