"Yosemite National Park" Yosemite National Park by joanj

This is a view of El Capitan with Half Dome centre background.

This was my second trip back to Yosemite, although no hiking the trails for me, leave that to the younger fitter people, but I just love the whole scene, with the Sequoias in Mariposa too.%c

Photo by joanj

Ahwahnee Hotel

This hotel in Yosemite National Park celebrated its Diamond Anniversay in July 2002.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd. stayed here when she visited the Park.

AHWAHNEE was the name the first residents gave to Yosemite Valley, and translated means "Land of the gaping mouth". These first people in turn called themselves the Ahwaneechee (the people of Ahwahnee)

The interior of the hotel is impressive with huge original oak tables and wrought iron chandeliers in the Great Lounge. There are original rugs hanging on the hotel's walls.

During World War 11 the Ahwahnee (hotel) played host to the United States Navy , and in l943 the navy converted it into a rest and relaxation hospital for Naval personnel. The Great Lounge became a dormitory for 350 men. The 6th floor was turned into the C.O.'s quarters, and the 5th floor housed nurses. In two and a half years 90,000 servicemen and women relaxed in Yosemite National Park, while 6,752 patients were treated there.

The photo shows part of the hotel, and grounds, unfortunately it was in shadow and is not shown at it's best .

Photo joanj

Autumn at Yosemite

This picture was taken to show the colours of the foliage.

Awe inspiring vistas everywhere.
A Photographers dream.

Photo M, Johnson

• Pros:Stunning scenery, & gigantic trees,
• Cons:too far away for more frequent visits