Mary Jo

1. October Weekend Trip to Yosemite 2002 Ryan Carina Matt Julia Renee Mary Jo Nick Kelly

2. Friday, 10/25/02 Friday morning we leave on our trip to Yosemite for a fun-filled weekend. After taking an unexpected detour at Oakhurst we end up on Hwy 140 instead of Hwy 41, and go through El Portal (an extra drive of 2 hours), we finally make it to the Wawona area in Yosemite Kelly at Cedar Lodge, El Portal, where we briefly stopped.

3. Friday, 10/25/02 We arrive at the Redwoods, a community near the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite. We check in, and go straight to our cabin, 2B.

4. Friday, 10/25/02 We have a great cabin, owned by the Covey family. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 full living rooms, two dining areas, 2 bathrooms, a big deck, and all of the amenities…. There are even plenty of blankets and pillows that Renee and I find … on our 3rd day there! Front of the cabin There’s a story about these here “mountain goats”

5. Friday, 10/25/02 Our Cabin – Back view

6. Once we get to the cabin, the kids can hardly wait to get out & explore a little. Friday, 10/25/02 Catch me if you can! Girls Rule! Mr. Cool The Lumberjack Come and Get It! Exploring the Rock

7. Friday, 10/25/02 Since we are so close to Halloween, the kids carve pumpkins to light and set out Want some?

8. Friday, 10/25/02 Julia prepares delicious pork chops for everyone, and we enjoy dinner together on our first night. As soon as it starts getting dark, we get a fire going, and enjoy the warmth from the fireplace.

9. Friday, 10/25/02 Matt and Ryan 9 Years Old Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday Matt and Ryan Happy Birthday to you

10. Friday, 10/25/02 After dinner and a birthday cake dessert, the kids finish up their pumpkins. It is already getting very cool, but they are determined. Pumpkin carving is interrupted, however, by a curious doe and fawn who come to investigate.

11. After a long day on the road, and a nice evening of relaxation, it’s time for everyone to go to bed. Friday, 10/25/02 The kids show off their works of art.

12. Saturday, 10/26/02 Saturday morning we head off to Glacier Point and the Valley. First stop is Washburn Point, where you have views of the High Sierra, waterfalls, and God’s country. Renee, Ryan, & Matt The group with the High Sierra in the background

13. Saturday, 10/26/02 Washburn Point The Kids

14. Saturday, 10/26/02 Glacier Point 3,000 feet above the valley

15. Saturday, 10/26/02 I came … I saw … I conquered The Ahwahnee Hotel From Glacier Point The Boys

16. Bridalveil Falls Saturday, 10/26/02 It’s only a 5 minute walk to the base of the falls, but then the kids wanted to climb the rocks & that was a challenge.

17. Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley Renee takes off The bike trails follow the roads (dark red lines). We rent the bikes at Curry Village, and go exploring.

18. Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley The day is cool, and the air is fresh. We are surrounded by the gentle breeze as we ride along the grassy meadow. Soon we venture into the forest

19. Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley

20. The dogwood brightens up Yosemite with its red, gold, and green leaves Saturday, 10/26/02 Bike Riding in the Valley

21. Bike Riding in the Valley Saturday, 10/26/02 North Dome After seeing the Ahwahnee from Glacier Point, we all ride to the Hotel to enjoy the beautiful décor.

22. Saturday, 10/26/02 Roasting marshmallows over an open fire But, Mama – This is a MARSHMALLOW

23. Sunday, 10/27/02 Wawona Dome Early morning deer Rising moon Woodpecker Autumn Leaves Views from early walk in the morning

24. Sunday, 10/27/02 Riding on the Yosemite Mt. Sugar Pine Train This historic railroad is located in Fish Camp, just before you arrive at the south entrance to Yosemite Playing Hand Games

25. Sunday, 10/27/02 Riding on the Yosemite Mt. Sugar Pine Train Hmmm… What goes through the mind of a teenager?

26. Mariposa Grove Sunday, 10/27/02 Giant sequoias live in the Mariposa Grove. The Grizzly Giant @ the left is over 1800 yrs old, and the large limb jutting out to the left has a diameter of over 6 feet. The Wawona Tunnel Tree fell in the winter of 1969, and is now known as the Fallen Tunnel Tree

27. Mariposa Grove Sunday, 10/27/02

28. Sunday, 10/27/02 Mariposa Grove The California Tree

29. Mariposa Grove Sunday, 10/27/02 Grizzly Giant

30. Sunday, 10/27/02 We have an unexpected guest when we come home Wawona Dome at sunset Alpenglow Nick & Carina watch the deer up close

31. Sunday, 10/27/02 Enjoying the evening together

32. Monday, 10/28/02 Morning Hike to Chilnualna Falls

33. Monday, 10/28/02 The moon and an incense cedar tree Nick

34. Monday, 10/28/02

35. Monday, 10/28/02 The base of Chilnaulna Falls

36. Monday, 10/28/02 Kids relax on the big rock near the base of Chilnualna Falls

37. Monday, 10/28/02 Chilnaulana Falls Checking out the base

38. Monday, 10/28/02 Morning Hike On the trail

39. Monday, 10/28/02 Some deer come to say Goodbye

40. Monday, 10/28/02

41. Monday, 10/28/02 Up close and personal We realize that deer like pumpkin! Yummy

42. Monday, 10/28/02 Seven deer come to greet us – we’ve seen a total of 30 this weekend. Whoops, there they go!

43. Monday, 10/28/02

44. Monday, 10/28/02 Nick watches as the deer leave ~ a perfect way to end our trip

45. Highlights