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Tag Archives: Sierra Nevada

The Beauty of Yosemite National Park’s Yosemite Valley

7 April 20248 February 2025

Starting my vacation from San Francisco, I finally made it to Point Reyes National Seashore and then stopped in Columbia, California before reaching Yosemite.  Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and only four hours from downtown San Francisco, I was excited to see for myself the beauty of Yosemite so eloquently described by John Muir.

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Entering the park from the west, I couldn’t help but notice fire damage to the trees, leaving them wrangled and charred.  I was surprised to learn from the park ranger that the fire was actually healthy for the forest to allow for growth of new vegetation.  While it can take a few years for this to happen, there are so many positive effects of contained fires in the park.

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Traveling further into the forest, the hues of green grew stronger and the views more spectacular from the outlooks.  Soon I would be facing massive sequoias, expansive granite cliffs and towering waterfalls within the park.

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Looking closely at the granite cliffs, I noticed a stratification of fractures on the face of the spectacular bluffs.  It amazed me to think that people from all over the world would come here to climb these rocks and I could only imagine the high they must feel to reach the top.  With its scenic beauty and challenging physical activities, It is no surprise that approximately 3.5 million visitors visit Yosemite each year.

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Yosemite Valley is the most visited area of the park and is open all year around.  Measuring 7 miles long and only 1 mile in width, it is home to Bridleveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, the parks most distinctive rock formation.

While Yosemite is famous for its dramatic waterfalls and granite peaks, I was hoping for  a little trickle of water during the mid-October fall.  I was pleasantly surprised as I parked the car and started my trek towards Bridalveil Falls, to see the water coming down as waterfalls run strong during the spring and summer months.  Usually dried up by the fall season, I was thrilled with the 620 foot trickle as well as the tranquility of this amazing place.

The fall season brings cooler weather and in some cases snow.  Fortunately, the days were sunny and warm, and with the help of a below freezing sleeping bag, I was  able to sleep comfortably during the cold nights.

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The park was quite easy to navigate and there are seven designated areas:  Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Tioga Road, Toulumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy.  The park covers approximately 750,000 acres and is about the size of the state of Rhode Island.  With over 800 miles of hiking trails, it is the perfect location for backpackers and birdwatchers. An abundance of wildlife make their home in the park and I was so happy to see a buck along the side of the road.

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In the distance, the view of El Capitan was breathtaking as it stands close to 3,500 feet tall.  With a permit, visitors can climb up to the top of this gargantuan mound of granite.  The beauty of this place inspired famed photographer Ansel Adams, capturing spectacular photos of the area.  I was so happy to be experiencing the majesty of this beautiful space first hand.

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Half Dome, looming in the distance is a hiker’s paradise at 8, 842 feet and requires a permit to hike.  There are a limited number of passes that are distributed and can be collected at the visitor’s center.

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The sun was beginning to set and I would be staying the night in a canvas tent in Curry Village.  The sunset seemed so much more brilliant here in Yosemite with colors of orange and pink illuminating from the clouds.

And as I humbly reflected on the sights I had seen on my first day at Yosemite, I could not have said it as brilliantly as John Muir.  “As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing.  I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche.  I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”

Have you had the opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park?  What fascinated you most about your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message about your visit in the comments section below.

Yosemite is located in northern California in the Sierra Nevada.  For more information about Yosemite National Park, you can visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.

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The Beauty of Yosemite, Camp Curry and The Redwoods

30 March 20242 February 2025

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Blog Post Update!  Camp Curry is now Curry Village!

I awoke early after having spent the day exploring the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.  The sun had already set when I arrived at Curry Village.  Spending the night in a canvas tent, the attendant suggested that I also rent a sleeping bag as the temperature would be falling overnight.  It was the best $10 I spent the whole weekend.

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Camp Curry (now Curry Village) is one of three camping options at Yosemite National Park and provides such amenities as the Curry Pavilion, Village Coffee Corner, a Taqueria as well as a Pizza Deck & Bar.  Additional campsites can be found at Housekeeping Camp and Yosemite High Sierra Camps.

I awoke to breathtaking precipices surrounding the camp. The crisp smell of fall was in the air as the colorful leaves of the trees blanketed the ground and crunched beneath my hiking boots.  I was happy for the opportunity to stroll among the largest grove of sequoias in the valley – a landscape of picturesque valleys and sweeping plateaus with granite formations carved naturally by the wind, rain and glacial ice.

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Dressed in layers, I set out to visit the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. Located in Yosemite Valley,  I admired its natural architecture seamlessly blending into the surrounding scenery.  Additional accommodations at the park include the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, White Wolf Lodge, the Wawona Hotel, Toulumne Meadows Lodge and The Redwoods.

Over a cup of coffee, I flipped through the Yosemite Guide, the park’s newspaper.  The publication is available at each entrance into the park as well as the visitor’s centers.    I decided my next step would be to visit Mariposa Grove where I could stroll among some of the largest Redwoods in the world.

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As I approached Mariposa Grove, I noticed that parking was scarce, so I backtracked to the Wawona Hotel where I could catch a free shuttle.  I learned that there 21 stops on the shuttle route and that the park officials highly recommend the service, especially during season, when approximately 1000 passengers board the buses per hour.  There were also designated transports which would drop off hikers at some of the more remote trailheads and offered transportation for sightseeing tours.

While waiting for the bus, I found myself exploring the Pioneer Yosemite History Center which was extremely informative and fascinating.

The bus arrived and within minutes we arrived at Mariposa Grove.  Options for visiting the grove included taking the trail or purchasing a ticket for the tour.  With limited time in the park, I decided to take the tram tour which would last about an hour.  In the distance, I caught my first glimpse of one of the oldest redwoods in the forest, the Fallen Monarch.

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Mariposa Grove is located in the section of the park called Wawona.  Near the south entrance, it is home to over 500 mature sequoias.   Wawona means “sound of the call of the owl” and the Indians believed that the  owl was the guardian spirit of the “Big Trees”.

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The tour included a stop at the Mariposa Grove Museum.  The exhibit provided an overview of Yosemite’s history and was included in the excursion as one of the highlights of the trip. 7-img_1246

Traveling a short distance of under 15 miles from Wawona was Glacier Point Road Junction.  It was here where I was guaranteed phenomenal views of Yosemite from Glacier Point Overlook.

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There was a short walk to the overlook and I was in awe of Half Dome as it majestically stood in the distance.

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From this vantage point, I was looking down into the valley floor,  3,214 feet below.

A posted placard pointed out the major highlights which could be seen from the Glacier Point Upper Terrace.  Yosemite Falls was a mere trickle during the fall season.

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The time came when I needed to begin my drive towards Bakersfield.  I would be leaving Yosemite National Park by way of Tioga Road and High Country which remained open through November.  Heading south, I would follow along the rugged crest of the Sierra Nevada.   I took a moment to stop at Tenaya Lake where the reflection of the mountains were a gorgeous scene while watching the sun begin to set.

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Driving along the 39-mile Tioga Road, I also encountered a stop at Olmsted Point which is known for its spectacular views of the Tenaya Canyon.  There was an easy half-mile round-trip hike which takes about a half an hour.  From here, one can take in the breathtaking view from 8,400 feet above sea level.

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It was not long until I exited the park and the sun had set leaving a beautiful pink hue on the mountains.  With only two days to explore Yosemite National Park, there were so many additional activities that I was not able to fit into my schedule.  I will return again when I can participate in a ranger or photography walk, take a long hike or experience a horse drawn stage ride in the summer.

Yosemite also hosts special events throughout the year to include the Bracebridge Dinner which takes place 8 nights in December, a Vintner’s Holiday and Yosemite’s Springfest.  Open year around, there are additional winter events that are posted on the National Park’s website.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Yosemite National Park?  What would you recommend on a future visit?  I would love to hear about your trip to the fabulous national park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  I appreciate your recommendations as well!  Many thanks for reading about my first visit to Yosemite and I wish you many Happy Travels!

For more information about Yosemite National Park, check out the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm.

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Brewfontaine….The Tap of Ohio

3 November 201616 September 2024

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Craft beer has made quite an impact on the state of Ohio over the past few years.  With approximately 120 breweries currently in the state, beer lovers may find it difficult to visit each one of them, even over the span of a year.  So why not visit a taproom where you can try a large selection of local brews all under one roof?  And so was the concept for Brewfontaine.  During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, Brian Wall, who is passionate about his new venture which recently opened in November of 2015.

“A lot of thought went into the planning of Brewfontaine,” says Brian. “The process took us about three  to four years.  We knew we wanted to open a place where people could try Ohio craft beers as well as ales from surrounding states.”  The restaurant and bar has nearly 40 craft beers available at a given time by the bottle or on tap.  The selection changes often, so this gives patrons more than one reason to visit to try new local brews.  Visitors can also purchase half gallon growlers to fill up with one of their favorite craft beers to enjoy at home.

In addition to all of the planning that went into opening the restaurant, there was also the challenge of its renovation.  Brian and his co-owners happened upon prime location in downtown Bellefontaine where historical Johnson’s Restaurant once stood.  It had been a well-known eatery for residents in the 1950s but was abandoned about twenty years later, leaving it in major disrepair.   According to Brian, there was extensive damage to the building and all that remained was the interior wall and the Ladies Room sign….even the floor was gone.  With a design in mind and with the magic of local real estate developer, Jason Duff, the building was brought up to code and transformed into the artistic industrial design that it is today.

Although Brewfontaine’s focus is bringing quality brews to its customers, what else makes Brewfontaine such a popular place?  The restaurant and bar also serves Wine on Tap and top shelf liquor for high class drinks.  And from the stellar reviews online, there is also the menu which includes simple starters, savory soups, delectable salads and sandwiches served with their signature house-made IPA pickles.  The restaurant employs a culinary chef, so many of the items on the menu are homemade.

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During my visit, I decided to try a flight of five and, with the suggestion of Micki, my server (and Brian’s wife), ordered the Greek Salad as well.   And it wasn’t just ANY salad, it was loaded with olives, feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, croutons, pepperoncini and peppers.  The ingredients were so fresh and I honestly had a difficult time finishing it, but it tasted so amazing that I couldn’t put my fork down.

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I will admit that I am not a beer connoisseur, but I am always up for trying new brews.  So my flight of beers arrived and I started from left to right.  First I tried Barley’s Scottish Ale which originates from Columbus, Ohio, Barley’s Brewing Company.

At first glance this craft beer, Boulevard 80 Acre, looks more like lemonade than an ale.  My take on the wheat ale is that it was very light with a slight hoppy aftertaste giving the Indian Pale Ale a run for its money.

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I have now moved on to beer number three and I have selected the Ei8ht Ball Tarnished, really because I liked the name of the ale. Ei8ht Ball Brewing is located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in the small town of Bellevue, Kentucky.

My number four selection was based on the fact that Sierra Nevada was probably the first beer I tried outside of the Budweiser family.  I wasn’t sure how I would like the IPA, but even though it was a little hoppy, I could smell the tropical fruit and it reminded me of the Sierra Nevada beer I have come to love.

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I have come down to my final selection and decided on Wyder’s Pear Cider.  I have to admit that it almost looks like a two drink glass of chardonnay, but quickly realize at the first taste that it is a sassy cider, with an amazing smell of pears.

Ordering the flight of beers is definitely the most fun way to experience craft beers.  With such a wide selection, I could come back several times to try another flight or two.  And of course, Brewfontaine makes it so easy for craft beer lovers to keep up to date with its beer menu and to know what brands will be coming to the restaurant in the near future.   Just download the BeerMenus app, set up an account and search for Brewfontaine.  Make sure you select them as a restaurant to follow and you will be able to track the information for yourself.   But don’t try to log in while you are at Brewfontaine, with a focus on Eat, Drink and Be Social, they prefer that you make a few friends while you are in town.

Being a new business, what does the future hold for Brewfontaine?  Of course there will always be the opportunity to add new craft beers to the list or make changes to the menu, but I also learned from Brian that there are plans underway to expand and enclose the patio adding an additional 30+ seats to the restaurant.   That is quite a successful accomplishment having only been open for a few months.

But if I had my opinion, it would be that the success of Brewfontaine is the passion that Brian and the owners have for the bar and restaurant.  Brian, who is formerly a surveyor, knows a thing or two about beer.  He started his own home brewing which has helped him understand the process and then put himself through college to strengthen his business skills.  The owners take so much pride in the restaurant that even the employees are required to submit a resume making the extra effort to show their interest in becoming a part of the Brewfontaine family.

But the enthusiasm doesn’t stop with Brian…if you are lucky enough to meet his wife, Micki, you can’t help but feel her heartfelt excitement for her husband’s business as well.  So don’t be surprised if she happens to take your order.  It’s a group effort and everyone is available to pitch in to make Brewfontaine a success.

Brewfontaine is located at 211 South Main Street in Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.  Check out their informative website at brewfontaine.com for a current drink list, menu and live music schedule.  You can also provide your email address for news and updates about the restaurant.

I had such a great time trying out some Ohio brews at Brewfontaine. I would like to thank Brian and Micki Wall for their time and hospitality extended to me during my visit.  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brewfontaine?  I would love to hear about your experience, so kindly leave your comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Brewfontaine and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and Do:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:   937 404 9128

Where to Eat:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:   937 404 9128

Brewfontaine is known for their Signature Pretzels served with a sweet pepper mustard. Beer cheese is available for an additional fee.  The Greek Salad is loaded with ingredients and the filling Grilled Reuben is absolutely spectacular.

Where to Stay:

The Cabins at Maple Grove
5040 OH-29
Urbana, OH 43078
Telephone: 937 620 4952

Where to Drink:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:   937 404 9128

Check Brewfontaine’s website prior to visiting for a list of beers or follow them on BeerMenus for future brews.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Supporting Female Brewers at Yellow Springs Brewery

23 July 201622 July 2024

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If I could choose between wine and beer, I would much rather choose a robust red, but my experience at Yellow Spring Brewery left me wanting to visit more craft breweries in the state of Ohio.

When I think about ordering a beer, it’s usually a Bud Light with an order of chicken wings at the local pub or with a hot dog at a baseball game.  So when my friend, Dave suggested we visit Yellow Springs Brewery, I was curious to learn more about the craft brew craze and sample a few handcrafted ales and lagers.

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Located on Walnut Street, the brewery is tucked away on a side street of town and can be a little difficult to find.  Once we found it, we parked our car and walked the gravel drive towards the entrance.

When we arrived at the large warehouse, we immediately noticed several large tanks which store the beer after fermentation and filtering.  The brewery offers a tour of the facility with an explanation of how they make their beer, followed by an opportunity to sample some of them in their spacious, comfortable tasting room.

Strolling into the brewery, we were directed toward the large blackboard that listed all of the available drinks.  Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was reading a foreign language.  After a few questions and a long look at the menu, the staff were eager to help me select a flight which included mostly lagers and ales.

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From top to bottom, the list of beers start from light to dark.  The server suggested I start with the first four options and go from there should I decide to order more.  I chose the following:  Femme Ale, Kerfuffle, Wyatt’s Eviction and First Lost Episode.IMG_8265Without waiting long, our selections arrived on cute little silver paddles and the names of the craft beers were listed on a yellow colored sheet.  I was able to reference each of the samples and write my notes on the card. What a great way to remember which ones I really liked to place another order and to rate them for my own reference.

The first beer was a Gose beer described as a German style wheat ale brewed with coriander and salt.   A light and pillowy beer with a hint of floral spice, a touch of salt and a mellow acidity.  It has an ABV of 4.5% and a low IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 14 ounce tulip.  I had no idea that beer was served in any type of glass beside a frosty mug.  This selection represented the Pink Boots Society Big Boots brew day, recognizing female brewers.

My opinion:  very light – soft and smooth with a hint of citrus, the color looks like a cloudy lemonade;  In addition to the lovely flavor of the beer, what I liked was that it was produced by a group of women who are a part of an organization called the Pink Boots Society.  A $2 donation for each glass purchased goes towards the society to offset cost for further craft beer development,

The Kerfuffle was my second sample and I was a little thrown off by the darkness of its color. I had assumed that dark beers would have a more stout taste, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.  It is described as an English Mild, rich and smooth Maris Otter against almost no hops or alcohol creating a monster of an English Mild…or just a, well, great mild.  Let’s beer geek out! It has an ABV of 3.1% and a low IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 16 ounce pub glass.

My opinion:  a light coffee aroma with a smooth texture….the color is dark, similar to a black coffee.

On to Wyatt’s Eviction which is an English Pale Ale and probably one that I am most familiar.  The summary states that it is an English malt, hops and yeast. Yep! They’re in there.  The focus of this English style bitter is balance.  The clean malt character holds the earthy and floral hops together with a beautiful fruity yeast note that refreshes the palate with each sip.  It has an ABV of 4.8% and a moderate IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 16 ounce pub glass.

My opinion:  dry and earthy, color that looks like a typical beer

Finally, I sampled the First Lost Episode which is a Belgian Fruit Beer with Cherries.  This beer is considered a Saison-style Ale brewed with Montmorency cherries to give it a burst of tangy and fruity notes.  Well balanced and never sweet. It has an ABV of 4.9% and a low IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 14 ounce tulip.

My opinion:  tastes like Leinenkugle Shanty….which I absolutely love.

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Dave’s selections were on the thicker, darker side, but he found a beer that he liked and we both ordered a full sized beer before strolling through the charming town of Yellow Springs.

While I don’t claim to be a craft beer connoisseur, I enjoyed my experience and realized I had a lot to learn about craft beer.   I plan to check out some of the acronyms, craft beer lingo and maybe learn how to taste the flavors that are listed in their descriptions.  But regardless, we had a blast during our visit and thank the patient folks at Yellow Springs Brewery for all of their help in assisting us in our beer selection.  We look forward to coming back again soon for another round or two.

Have you visited Yellow Springs Brewery or can provide me any tips when trying craft beers? Please leave me a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Yellow Springs Brewery
305 North Walnut Street
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:   937 767 0222

Check out the website for taproom hours and a list of craft beers available.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat: 

Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 767 1144

My favorite menu is the Winds Charcuterie Plate, a selection of Winds kitchen’s pates and terrines, including imported and domestic cured meats, pickles and house condiments.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

  • Clifton Gorge
  • Colorful, Artsy Streets
  • Glen Helen Nature Reserve
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
  • Wall Murals
    • Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
    • Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
    • “Kieth’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
    • Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
    • Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
    • The patio of Sunrise Cafe
    • The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
    • The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
    • Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
    • Kings Yard murals

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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