This week saw the first snow of the season in the Valley. There really are no adequate words to describe the beauty of Yosemite when you see it in person. The mountains, the trees, the wildlife, the power in how it all comes together is spectacular . . . truly a sight to behold. Here are some pictures to share a bit of its beauty on a snowy wintry morning.
Madeline, Elizabeth and I carpool each day. We watched the weather carefully this week to make certain we didn’t get into too much ice on the roads. It was my week to drive and I do carry chains with me. But I absolutely did NOT want to have to install them. We decided early on if the weather was too bad we would take the bus! Slow and cautious were the words for the morning runs on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, definitely worth the drive as it was beautiful. And we were not required to put on the chains. YES!
I spent Tuesday in the Welcome Center as usual. The visitor count was up from last week and we had a very steady flow of questions. Had a couple folks with questions about backpacking overnight at higher elevations. While I have learned the rules and requirements for those events I will never feel comfortable advising them on locations. I’m very fearful of someone being stranded in the wrong place. I’m certain it is because I have no personal experience of a backpacking nature (and not likely to obtain any in my lifetime!).
Wednesday brought us a very special event . . . a zoom call with none other than Yosemite’s own Shelton Johnson, distinguished ranger and author. What a treat to have an opportunity for a very personal meeting with him and listen to his background and history. Shelton is the author of Gloryland, a work of historical fiction which tells the story of Elijah Yancey, an American with African, Seminole and Cherokee roots, who is born in South Carolina and grows up to be a Buffalo soldier who spends one year patrolling Yosemite National Park. Definitely worth a read and even more so a listen. I encourage you to get this book on audible and listen to him as he tells this story. He has the most beautiful voice and his delivery will move you to places you’ve never been before. 
Our next project is focused on the Alpine Collection – The American Alpine Club is the oldest organization in the American climbing community. The club’s mission is to support climbers and outdoor recreation, and to advocate for the preservation of natural landscapes and wild places. In 2023, the AAC (American Alpine Club) and Yosemite National Park signed a General Agreement to promote and support climbing in Yosemite Valley. The agreement includes responsibilities like encouraging responsible climbing practices, maintaining climbing infrastructure, and working on impact mitigation projects. In addition, the AAC donated a collection of books to the Research Library. Our project for the next few weeks is to catalogue and integrate this collection into the library collection. We are making great progress but it’s going to take several weeks to complete.
Finally, our most famous guest this week was Mighty Maraca’s brother, Jaspar T. Dawg, a beautiful 115 lb. Great Pyrenese, who joined us for a couple hours on Wednesday. We hope Jaspar will return soon. What a delight it was to have Jaspar AND Maraca with us, if only for a couple hours. Did I mention Mighty Maraca weighs in at 6.5 lb! Can you find her in the picture below?
Thanksgiving was a relaxing day. Madeline and I went into the Valley and worked a bit on the cataloguing. Then spent Friday in Mariposa Black Friday shopping. We found some special items to help us decorate the library for the holidays and will be sending you pictures of our decorating next week.
This is my final week. I’ll be leaving here on Friday to begin my journey home. Looking forward to visiting my friends in Southern California and then on to Joshua Tree National Park. After that it will be a stop to visit friends in Tuscon and to pick up daughter Jennifer who will join me for the drive from Tuscon to Dallas. What a bittersweet departure this is going to be. I’ve had such a wonderful time and I’m so glad the powers that be allowed me to be here. THANK YOU Yosemite National Park!
Please forgive all errors, take care of yourselves, stay safe and blessings to all.
Hugs, Mara
These pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing this beauty and thanks for your emails to take us al along with you. Glad you didn’t need the chains! Hope you enjoy your trip back with visits along the way.
Joan
Me too on the chains! What a gift these trips are to me! Stay safe and be well Joan. Hugs to you and Cathy.