Yosemite May 24-27

Yosemite National Park, a national treasure, originally designated a protected national area by President Lincoln in 1864; then, through the eloquence of John Muir, enlarged to 1200 sq. miles and designated a national park in 1890. Everything here is huge, the rocks, the waterfalls, the trees. Because of excessive snowfalls this winter (it snowed the week we were there) many of the roads in the park were closed, but the main attractions and the visitor center were open with good weather. Driving up there we kept remarking as to the size of the trees, not unusual to see pine trees 200+ feet; as we got closer the visitor center the sheer height of the polished granite walls surrounding us was dramatic. Then we came upon one of the two magnificent waterfalls there; Bridalveil. You can actually walk up the base of it, get showered and feel its force. This time of year the falls are at their most dramatic. Below is a picture of Bridalveil (doesn't nearly do justice to it). I did a video at the base of it; it is at the bottom of this entry (sorry I turned the camera to the right, maybe I was a bit overwhelmed by the spray and the power of this wonder). I'll bet the drop is 1000ft. Unbelieveable.
The next two pictures below are Upper and Lower Yosemite falls, total drop 2400 feet; couldn't get quite as close, but there are hikers that go all the way to the top. Great place to camp and hike for a week.

The park includes granite mountains formed 10 million years ago, with valleys developed by glaciers, ice ages and erosion. The remaining granite almost appears polished from the historic action. Hard to appreciate the majesty of the granite; below El Capitan, one of several spectactular mountains that people climb up while they are here. Could not believe how huge the trees were, including the pines and giant sequoias. Definitely worth a return trip when we can see more.

Finally, our RV park was in a little town called Columbia, a town developed during gold rush days in 1850. Population went from about 0 to 4000 in 4 weeks after someone found gold here. Largest piece of gold 134 lbs. They have a state park here, the town rebuilt to look a lot like it was back in the late 1800's w/blacksmiths, pony express, gold panning exhibits etc. Packed with school kids, it was a fun time.

Wells Fargo (pony) Express in Columbia, drivers dress in period garb and give rides.

Blacksmith at Columbia.

Below the video of Bridalveil, sorry about turning the camera.