Yosemite & Mount Dana in the Fall

(Switched campsites) After hitting stop-and-go traffic most of the way from the Bay Area, we finally arrived in Yosemite Valley around dusk (7:15 PM). As soon as we stepped outside our car, we were greeted by campers to the right of us. They asked to switch campsites so their party could be closer together. We obliged, and it turned out that our new campsite #113 was much larger and private than our original site #524.

(Hiking in Valley after dark) After unpacking the car and setting up the tent around 9 PM, we decided to forgo making dinner. Instead, we set out to see if we could dine at one of the restaurants in the Valley. We put on our headlamps and headed towards the Awahnee Hotel. It wasn’t long before we realized that we were the only ones out walking around after dark, it was great!. Part of the fun was trying to navigate in the dark with using only the visitors map they hand out at the park entrance. After orientating ourselves to the map, we crossed a bridge that lead us over Tenaya Creek, walked past the Group Camp, and picked up a trail that led us to the Ahwahnee Hotel.

(Dinner and jazz at the Ahwahnee) We knew we were close the the hotel when we came across the Ahwahnee cabins. As we passed the cabins we tried to spot the one we stayed at during our honeymoon in '96. However, at night, they all look the same- romantic and cozy. After reminiscing a bit, we crossed the courtyard to the hotel's entrance. As soon as we stepped inside the hotel, we heard the sound of live jazz music. It came from the cocktail lounge. We weren’t sure if we were dressed appropriately, but after a quick scan, it was clear that we were not the only campers who were retreating from their outdoor retreats. It was a pleasure to discover that not only were we able to relax and enjoy a great performance by pianist, Jessy Lynch, and his friends, but we were also able to order dinner (at a modest price). Michele ordered a small salad and I ordered the smoked Scottish Salmon and Trout. Dinner was preceded by a glass of the house Ahwanahee Chardonnay and a Mojito Cocktail.

(A stroll through the Hotel) After the delightful dinner and meal, we strolled around the ground floor of the Ahwanhee,. The inside of the Hotel is just as grand as the outside. The entrances to the fireplaces raise higher then ones head, and the vaulted ceilings are a couple stories high. There are black and white photographs to fit the theme of each room and relics from the Native Americans, which once occupied Yosemite Valley.

(Vouristic raccoons) Before continuing on our hike, we stopped to kiss underweight the covered walkway near the hotel’s entrance. Michele and I were startled by three raccoons, which were just a couple feet above us on the roof. They were huddled together and stared at us while we kissed.

(Memories of getting married) We followed the road from the Hotel, which brought us to the Visitors Center. This was a very special place for us. Nearly ten years earlier, we sat outside the same building at night and dreamed about getting married. Two years later, we came back and got married in the Yosemite Chapel.