Thanks, Angela.

Weather.com is forecasting a beautiful week for the rest of the week and Saturday but watch out Sunday as snow will finally return to the Sierra. It’s not expected to last long though and skies should clear by Monday. But, take the proper precautions if you’re headed up this weekend (chains, snowtires, extra food, blankets, etc.)

Today’s Photo of the Day is a beautiful, snowy shot of Half Dome from a few years back. Very nice.

Photo by Frozen Coffee via Flickr.

Today’s Photo of the Day is a beautiful HDR image from Robert Pearce. Robert is currently working on getting his site up and running but if you’ve an interest in obtaining one of his photos send him an email.

Beautiful work, Robert. Thanks!

Photo by Robert Pearce via Flickr

So what are your plans for New Years Eve? What better way to kick off a new year than by celebrating in Yosemite.

There are 3 major events happening in the park at the Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and the historic Wawona Hotel.

The Ahwahnee is holding a roaring 20’s themed dance celebration with two or three-night packages with lodging at either The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Lodge at the Falls including lodging for two, two tickets to The Ahwahnee New Year’s Gala, a portrait sitting, and two keepsake glasses.

Those staying at The Ahwahnee also get to dine at a sumtuous New Year’s Day Brunch.

The Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is offering festivities in the Mountain Room Restaurant with two or three-nights’ lodging at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, dinner for two in the Mountain Room Restaurant followed by a live band and dancing. Guests will also receive a split of wine with two keepsake glasses delivered to your room after check-in.

Youngsters can enjoy a special family celebration on New Years’ Eve in the Cliff Room at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Fun games, raffle prizes, a DJ spinning tunes, dancing, snacks and even be a balloon drop at 9pm. Kids must be accompanied by an adult so it’s fun for the whole family.

The historic Wawona Hotel New Years Eve Dinner Dance Packages offer visitors lodging for two at the historic Wawona Hotel, two dinner dance tickets for the Wawona celebration, a split of wine with keepsake glasses and New Year’s Day Brunch in the Wawona dining room.

For more information and to check package availability visit yosemitepark.com or call 801-599-4884

Photo by Lisa Miller via Flickr.

The Christmas Day (December 25th) concert is now scheduled at 2 p.m. instead of 8 p.m.

The Yule Log Ceremony & Caroling (December 23rd) now begins at 3 p.m.

For questions about the Dinner, times, events and lodging please call 801-559-4949 or visit bracebridgedinners.com or YosemitePark.com

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Today’s Photo of the Day is a beautiful shot of Upper Yosemite Fall reflected in a very glassy pool of water. I love the color and richness of this shot.

Beautiful work, Charlene.

Photo by Charlene-SJ via Flickr.com

Here’s a really awesome photo for Photo of the Day from Jason Manzatt. Great shot, Jason.

Photo by Jason Manzatt via Flickr.

Wendy from the UK wrote in:

“We are trying to squeeze in a last adult holiday in California in January before our first baby is born (in May)!

Everyone we speak to says you can’t miss Yosemite so we’d love to visit but on investigation it seems a lot of the area won’t be available to us in a hire car (that may not be equipped with chains)

Is there a road into the park that always stays accessible or are they all subject to closure, and if we make it into the park can we drive anywhere at all without chains?

I’d love to see the park but would you say we were better avoiding it in January?”

Congratulations on the baby Wendy! I get this questions a lot. You are required by law to carry snow chains in your vehicle when entering Yosemite in the winter. They don’t stop you at the gate and make you present them when entering but if you get stuck you may end up spending the night you, as a mommy-to-be probably don’t want to stay.

Your rental agency should be able to supply you with chains if you call ahead of time and let them know. If not there’s Walmart and other establishments that sell them for around $30-35 depending on the size.

You can also usually rent or buy chains along the way. There are plenty of places with them for sale.

If you’ve never installed chains though, you might want to buy some at home and practice putting them on and taking them off your car. Chain installers aren’t always available should you be asked to chain up.

As for coming up in January, it’s a great time to come up. Right now gasoline is under $2 a gallon. That’s the cheapest we’ve seen it here in about 10 years. The park is beautiful, quiet and undisturbed. You won’t be totally alone but the amount of visitors in January is significantly less than peak months. Many photographers steer clear of Yosemite Valley except in the winter months so it’s an exceptional time to take photos and there are plenty of places you can snuggle up next to a wood fire to get warm.

The best road to take into the park in winter is Highway 140 from Merced to Mariposa then in to El Portal and Yosemite. There are a couple of high spots along the road where you may need chains but you’re no where near as likely to need to chain up as if you’d entered on 120 or 41. They’re much higher and almost always have snow in the winter.

Highway 140 takes you along the bottom of the Merced River canyon and was for years touted as Yosemite’s “all weather highway”.

Also, if you’re staying outside the park at one of the local inns they may offer shuttle service into the Valley. This would be great because someone else could do the driving for you! Just call ahead and ask the lodge or inn where you’re staying if this is provided.

Good luck! Have a great and safe trip!

Photo by Rickz via Flickr.com

Today’s Photo of the Day more than makes up for the lack of one yesterday. It’s a superbly beautiful black and white of water a silky smooth waterfall captured by Ian Guerra.

Nice work, Ian. Well done.

Photo by Ian Guerra via Flickr.