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Yosemite Valley Trivia

The California Spanish explorers encountered a free flowing river coming down from the Sierra into the Central Valley. It fed the growing agricultural needs of the population. They named this river for Mary, “Our Lady of Mercy.” We now call it the Merced  . . . the same river that hugs the John Muir Trail as we hike Half Dome.

In the early years of the park the river often flooded. Early settlers, led by Galen Clark, dynamited the glacial moraine at the Valley entrance near El Cap / Bridalveil Fall, lowering the water table. Water was used by the grazing livestock. Closer to Yosemite Falls, the Yosemite C reek was diverted east a bit to power a sawmill that Muir worked at. He even lived in a hut attached to it. Check out this photo of Muir’s “hangnest.” When you stroll near Yosemite Falls, you can see where we think it was  located. Water does not flow by there today.

 NEWS: A late Friday night fire destroyed a VERY old building in Mariposa. Gone in the blaze are the Mariposa Pizza Factory, Pony Expresso Coffee House & Trading Post, Tracy’s Yarns, Larry’s Coins, Grace Notes Chimes, Mariposa County Arts Council …

Mr Half Dome on vacation

Had a a nice day today hunting ancient pictographs in northern Arizona. Found a ton.  Heading to White Pocket Thurs. Photography by Sonke K.

Woody Smeck is the new Yosemite Deputy Superintendent. He came from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

The Yosemite Medical Clinic is now a Blue Shield of CA Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). I guess you could give them your card for care while you are in the park.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “So remember, every picture tells a story don’t it.” – Rod Stewart 

*MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com

One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome

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Ansel Adams photo sells for $44K

Earlier this month,, the art auction house, Brunk Auctions,  sold a 1965 print of an Ansel Adams photograph of Half Dome and Moon  for $44,800. It was estimated to bring “only” $30K. Guess the bidding fever took over. The sale in Ashville, NC also saw a signed Thomas Moran (1837-1926) water color sell for $1.77 million . It was called ‘Cliffs of Green River – Wyoming Territory, view of Castle Butte.’ Just thought I’d bring a little class to the blog.

This will be a good weekend to stay under the blankets and read a Yosemite book. Winter is hitting the Sierra again.  Snow levels will be down to 6500 feet then lower to 4500 feet by Sunday night. High winds may hamper travel below the passes Saturday through Sunday.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “Little by little the night turns around. Counting the leaves which tremble at dawn. Lotuses lean on each other in yearning. Under the eaves the swallow is resting. Set the controls for the heart of the sun.” – Pink Floyd 

*MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com

One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome…

Ansel Adams Belated Birthday

A tip of the cap to Blog Reader, Alan. H. He reminded me that yesterday was Ansel Adams birthday. Ansel was unable to attend. Adams was born in San Francisco on Feb. 20, 1902. He made his first trip to Yosemite in 1916. He was a major photographer of the mid 20^th Century who focused a lot on Yosemite. Adams died in Carmel on April 22, 1984. 110 years old – well, if he was alive.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “You say it’s your birthday. It’s my birthday too—yeah. They say it’s your birthday, We’re gonna have a good time I’m glad it’s your birthday, Happy birthday to you.” – the Beatles. 

*MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com

One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome…

John Muir Geotourism Center

While we are tlaking about John Muir’s walk to Yosemite, to help future generations appreciate the global impact that this conservationist had on the world, the town of Coulterville is building the John Muir Geotourism Center (JMGC). This was one of the places on his historic walk over a century ago. This newly formed non-profit group has seed money from a $75,000 donation. This money will allow admirers of John Muir to seek additional developmental funds for a specialized center built around the genius of John Muir. It will provide learning opportunities for geotourists, students, parents and anyone concerned with environmental issues seeking to enrich their visit to Yosemite National Park and the region.

Robert Hanna, the great, great-grandson of John Muir, is a member of the Advisory Committee along with a dedicated team of local community and Yosemite regional leaders.

JMGC future components will consist of the following:

• Range of Light Outdoors Classroom: A multi-purpose classroom.

• Youth Education Program: A jointly developed program to bring together urban and rural students in a natural setting.

• Bean Creek Preserve Nature Walks: To offer geotourists the opportunity to learn about the historic John Muir Route.

Unrelated thought worth …

Vintage Ansel Adams film

Rare video footage of Ansel Adams at the real Half Dome Diving board…at the far west side of the rock.

Click <HERE>

A tip of the hat to our Hamburg, Germany office for this find.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “Off we go into the wild blue yonder. Flying high into the clouds. Here we go, making a sound like thunder. Flying high, feeling proud. Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, off with one mighty roar. It’s you and me. We’re flying free. Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force.” – Air Force theme song

*MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com

One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome…

Buffalo Soldiers

Last week, the US House passed a proposal to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks and for other purposes.  These men were African-Americans in the US Army. Their contributions included service in: the American Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War and World War I and 2.

Buffalo Soldiers

The name “Buffalo Soldier” was believed to be coined by American Indians who thought their hair resembled the tight black weave found on bison.  In 1899 through 1903, they managed Sequoia and Yosemite parks before the creation of the Park Service.

Editorial note: Be sure to page back for blogs that do not appear on the front page. I will be posting shorter snippets occasionally.

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “Buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta. There was a buffalo soldier in the heart of America, stolen from Africa, brought to America. Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival.” – Bob Marley

*MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com

One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome

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Ansel Adams prints at LA show

In LA, a gallery called “drkrm” .. .as in darkroom, will be showing some very rare Ansel Adams prints. Adams made his name at Yosemite but these are street scenes shot in Los Angeles. He was on assignment in Southern California for Fortune magazine in 1940. This will be the first time that the photos have been on public display. Limited edition prints will also be on sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to the LA Public Library. show runs from February 18 through March 17. If you live there or are heading to the southland, go to 727 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 323.271.5635…

Yo-sem-i-ty

Lafayette Bunnell was the medical man in the Mariposa Batallion that “discovered” Yosemtie Valley. He led the naming of many places in the valley. In his book he states:

“As I did not take a fancy to any of the names proposed, I remarked that “an American name would be the most appropriate;” that “I could not see any necessity for going to a foreign country for a name for American scenery—the grandest that had ever yet been looked upon. That it would be better to give it an Indian name than to import a strange and inexpressive one; that the name of the tribe who had occupied it, would be more appropriate than any I had heard suggested.” I then proposed “that we give the valley the name of Yo-sem-i-ty, as it was suggestive, euphonious, and certainly American; that by so doing, the name of the tribe of Indians which we met leaving their homes in this valley, perhaps never to return, would be perpetuated.”

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “The name game” – Shirley Ellis 

*MrHalfDome™ – Rick Deutsch – www.HikeHalfDome.com

One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome…

Italian stonemasons

Look at this section of the Upper Mist trail before Nevada Fall. Check out the fine stonework.

Much of the stone retaining walls were put up by immigrant Italian stonecutters. They were expert. Almost like the Pyramids, where it is hard to stick a razor blade between the stones. A tip of the hat to our Italian friends!

Last week I  met with Domer and blog reader, Maureen L. of Oakland for lunch. We had a nice chat. She’s an avid  hiker and VERY knowledgeable of Yosemite.  Holler if you’d like to link up with me, myself and I for chow one day.  Reminder – I’m speaking on a cruise ship Jan 6-20 so the blog may be late. Very expensive to use internet at sea.

Notice the days getting longer? Sunset January 1 at Yosemite was 4:50 pm. By Thursday it will be 4:53. I love it. On March 12 we go back to daylight savings! Yes! Just about 2 months away. Summer is coming!

The drought continues at the park. No snow in sight. Bad times for Badger pass.

California residents – 750 news laws go into effect this year. Here’s a loop hole in the cell …