Yosemite Blog

SF Gate: “The debate over the proposal to breach the Sierra’s O’Shaughnessy Dam, drain the reservoir behind it and restore Hetch Hetchy Valley to its former natural splendor is apt to intensify this summer with the release of a California Department of Water Resources study on the issue.

But preliminary comments from the agency indicate two things:

First, the restoration is technically possible without disrupting water supplies to San Francisco, Modesto and Turlock, the cities that are the beneficiaries of Hetch Hetchy water.

Second, it will cost a lot of money: From $4 billion to $8 billion, depending on whom you talk to.

‘Regardless of what you do in terms of restoration, it will be expensive, ‘ said Gary Bardini, the Hetch Hetchy project manager for the Department of Water Resources.

‘People who want to restore the valley tend to pick the low end, and those against it favor the high end,’ said Larry Weis, the general manager of the Turlock Irrigation District. ‘So it might be wise to pick a figure in the middle.’

For the Hetch Hetchy restoration true believers, Bardini said, ‘money isn’t the issue, of course. The prospect of restoring the valley is what matters. But then there are going to be other people who say, ‘Why make this investment when we already have a perfectly good (water delivery) infrastructure?’ So it’s hard to say how it will play out.’”

Wow! I just checked the poll again and it looks like more people would like to see Hetch Hetchy restored.

If you haven’t voted yet, now is your chance. The poll runs all through this month and at the end of the month I’ll post the results and put up a new poll.

So go ahead, make your voice heard. You know you want to.

My Den of Wifi Iniquity!

Originally uploaded by Ambitious Wench.

Edie has let the secret out! If you’re headed to Yosemite you CAN take your laptop, so long as you’re close to the Ahwahnee.

P6100038

Originally uploaded by Ambitious Wench.

I’d been hearing reports that the wildflowers in the Valley were going to especially plentiful this year due to the heavy rains and now…Edie has the proof.

Beautiful shot, Edie.

When my wife and I went on our honeymoon, part of which took place in Yosemite, we missed our puppy terribly. Well now you can visit Yosemite and now worry about your pooch. No more kennels, your confidant in canine form can sleep right there on the bed with you.

Yahoo! Business News: “Once upon a time, before pet travel had its own magazines, shows and Websites, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite welcomed dogs.
Operational issues at the ‘dawn’ of pet travel required Tenaya to put the policy on hold for a time. Now, by overwhelming popular demand, Tenaya Lodge’s doors are once again open for ‘man’s best friend.’

Tenaya’s ‘Canine Companion’ accommodations are available year-round for a per-stay fee of $75 in addition to the nightly room rate. A complimentary doggie chew stick, dog biscuits, ‘poop scoop’ disposable mitts, use of a water bowl and plush dog bed, and Tenaya’s Canine Concierge guide are included in the fee. The fee also covers special cleaning and maintenance needs to ensure rooms stay sparkling for pets and hotel guests.”