Yosemite — Winter 2003

Yosemite Winter 2003         

After New Years we headed off for Yosemite to enjoy a little winter time fun. While over the course of a year over 4 million people visit the park,and on peak days during the summer there can be 20,000 people in the Valley at one time, winter is a much much slower time. I had made our reservations back in May after returning from last years trip. We stayed at Yosemite Lodge, and while the word conjures up nice cozy accommodations, its really more a Motel 6 built in the 70's set in the mountains, with cafeteria food to boot. But at least it was dry and warm.

There was about two feet of snow in the valley and the roads were all clear and dry.

That night we arrived Sofi and Kiah had to immediately go get in the snow. Sofi treated it the same as she did sand, diving in with great gusto.

The next day we went ice skating at Curry Village, a pretty spectacular setting.

Sofi only went around a couple of times, with me propping her up.

Kiah hadn't gone in a couple of years, but picked it back up pretty quickly.

Sofi sat out with Stacey, who didn't go because she was worried about her ankle giving out.

Later in the afternoon we went sledding on the hills just outside of Curry Village, even our sledding site has incredible views.

Sofi was thrilled with sliding down the hill.

You can barely see Sofi on my lap as we barrel down the hill, I am trying to steer with my feet and kicking up snow.

Stacey sliding slightly sideways.

Kiah and Sofi hurtling down the hill.

Kiah and Sofi after a successful run down the hill.

 

Snow and the trees were gorgeous.

We then moved on down the slope to virgin hillside where we worked on making our own path.

Heading back for the night the sunsetting on Half Dome was beautiful.

In the evening and early in the morning a misty fog lays along the ground.

Saturday we got up and walked up to the Lower Yosemite falls, which suprising to me had quite a bit of water, but not near as much as during May.

We then headed over to take a look at the Ahwahnee Hotel, which was built in 1927 and is pretty amazing place.

Sofi liked sitting in the big comfortable chairs.

We had lunch in the "great room" before heading up to Badger Pass.

Driving out of the valley the views of Bridal Veil Falls were beautiful.

As was the river and the valley.

We arrived to Badger Pass at around 2pm, too late to ski so we went toobing.

Sofi had a great time being carried up the hill and riding down.

Here Sofi and Mark rid down the hill.

Kiah had a blast riding down on her stomach.

Rather than spend another night down in the valley we decided to stay outside the east entrance of the park. We were going to head back up to the slopes on Sunday but decided instead to just return home and unwind before getting back to school and work.

We were in Oakhurst and choose to drive along 49, which was very curvy but had some gorgeous views.

At Coulterville we headed down from the foot hills to Modesto, and we were surprised by all the fog, which is quite common due to the Tuolumne River.

Glad to be home, we are considering going again next year for New Years.