Yosemite Blog

Union Democrat:

“Federal researchers are learning more about the damage being wrought across the Sierra by a decades-old fungus that weakens and eventually kills pine trees, including venerable sugar pines.

A recent U.S. Geological Survey found that white pine blister rust plays a role in about 36 percent of sugar pine deaths in Yosemite National Park.”

Patent Pending Blog: “Dick Kelty grew up hiking in the Sierra Nevada of California. This a moutain range 300 miles in length, studded with 14,000′ peaks, and 10,000′ passes, a land of mild weather, and awsome alpine scenery. The only thing keeping people from enjoying it was the terrible packs of the day, which only Navy Seal types could carry for more than a day hike. Dick was inspired to build a better pack, and in 1952 borrowed $500 to go into the pack business. He cut the aluminum frame pieces, and welded them together to form the first aluminum frame for a backpack. His wife Nena sewed the nylon packs, another first, in the kitchen. The first years they sold 29 packs, followed by 90 packs, followed by 500 packs, and soon had a thriving mail order business going from their home. In five years, Dick quite his carpentry business, and made packs full time.”

It’s a beautiful day in Yosemite. The rain and snow have subsided (for a while at least) and the sun has come out. It’s a glittering white wonderland of snow. Too bad I can’t be there to enjoy it today.

Even though Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass are closed to motorized vehicle traffic that doesn’t mean it’s closed to skiers. In fact, it’s some of the best cross country skiing in northern California but take note, it does take a bit of work to get there.

At 8 miles west of Tioga Pass the Tuolumne Meadows ski hut offers visitors willing to make the trek an adventure most visitors to Yosemite will never experience. Bring a tent and be prepared to sleep out though, the ski hut comfortably sleeps 10 and has been known to fill up. Should you be lucky enough to get to stay in the hut you can take comfort in knowing there’s a fully stocked wood burning stove complete with hatchet for splitting wood and electricity unless the lines should go down.

If you decide to go plan ahead and check the weather forecast before beginning your adventure. The closest route into Tuolumne Meadows is over 10,000 foot Tioga Pass from Lee Vining near Highway 395 (16 miles total). This is a 2 day trek for accomplished skiers so plan accordingly. Avalanche conditions may exists in some parts of the Park.

If you have any ski related questions call Tracey and Bruce (Tuolumne Meadows Winter Rangers) at (209) 372-0450. Please leave a clear message with a return number if there is no answer.

Today’s Yosemite Blog Photo of the Day comes from Steven Fuchs who took this great shot of Vernal Falls. Fabulous.