Sue - this is it! YOSEMITE!

Breakfast at our cabin

I wake up because my nose is about to drop off. It's just a little bit cold! I do recall getting up in the night, grovelling around desperately trying to find a few more layers to put on. Never mind, we are here! It was such a great feeling getting out of bed and seeing where we were..we are in the Yosemite valley by the Merced River, literally surrounded by these huge granite rock faces. A truly majestic sight! It's a little rainy, so we decide to explore the valley for the day, without venturing too high into the mountains. Since we are wearing every warm layer that we have with us, the thought of getting wet hiking isn't looked on too favourably by any of us! The rain is getting heavier, and by early

Jim in his sleeping attire!

afternoon the snow has started to fall! Being late spring, we always knew that we could encounter all sorts of weather, but the beauty of being here at this time of year, is the waterfalls are really spectacular, and the valley is thundering with the sound of the water. (in summer, Yosemite is a completely difference experience, with waterfalls just a trickle and some even completely dried up)  Loads to do and see on the valley floor....we check out the river and the squirrels, get drenched at Bridalveil falls, explore the information centres and the Indian Museum.

A bit wet from the rain and a LOT wet
from the spray of Bridalveil Falls

The Ahwahneechee lived in the Yosemite area for 4000 before explorers came through in 1833. The greed in the gold rush era has a lot to answer for, and during that time the Ahwahneechee were forced off the land that was their home. Today, we can thank Abraham Lincoln for signing the Yosemite grant in 1964 which eventually turned the Yosemite Valley into a National Park. We fill in the day easily and have had a great introduction to this amazing place.

Kids loved the squirrels! Weren't meant to feed them, but we assumed we weren't meant to feed them our ham sandwiches! Here the kids are feeding them berries.

Looking for squirrels by the Merced River, YOSEMITE

Dinner is at the main dining room where we have a fantastic family buffet for a very resonable price. Its 'thumbs up' from all the kids, so it's definitely a winner. We retreat to a warm lounge ( Matthew calls it "the warming place") to play cards for a bit before heading to our chilly cabin! (We have managed to hire some more blankets so hopefully will sleep a little better!) Tomorrow the sun is going to be shining!