YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

For many centuries Yosemite Valley and environs were home to the Ah-wah-nechee Indians.  Then in 1864
President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill granting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the State of California. And in 1890 John Muir helped spark the creation of Yosemite National Park.

This national treasure is only about 175 miles from where I live, and Amalie and I visited there a 

number of times, primarily visiting the valley. But the national park is much bigger 

than the valley itself, covering more than 760 thousand acres on the western slopes 

of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  Compare that to the seven square miles of the valley itself.

Valley from the air.

This monolith is El Capitan, or El Cap, as it is fondly known. It extends about 3,000 feet base to 

summit, and is a favorite of mountain climbers.

Half Dome is perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in Yosemite.

 It rises more than 4,737 ft  above the valley floor.

Black bears in Yosemite are active both day and night. Most bears that rely on natural 

food sources are active during the day.

However, those that get food from people are often active at night, when they can 

quietly sneak around and grab unattended food.

Yosemite Falls is the highest measured waterfall in North America.

  The total 2,425 feet from the top of the upper falls to the base of the lower falls qualifies 

Yosemite Falls as the sixth or seventh highest waterfall in the world.

  Yosemite! A remarkably beautiful place regardless of theweather!

ONE LINERS --

Some people grow up and spread joy and happiness. Some people just grow up and spread.

Cat:  Beast of birdin'.

Thanks to the miraculous strides in medicine, people live longer--giving them the extra time needed to pay their medical bills.

Some people's idea of keeping a secret is refusing to divulge who told it to them.