The most visited National Park in the US, due not only to its proximity to L.A., but because of its wonderful scenery and wide variety of activities available for all age and skill levels. I spent just a few short hours inside the park, but I vow to go back. The main drive through the valley of the park has a little bit of everything; waterfalls, cliffs, mountains, rivers, and beautiful rock work to marvel at as you drive past. As with many national parks the drive may be a bit unnerving; the sharp drop-off and the guard rail on one side, the cliff hugging the other. Just this view is enough to entice me, once you enter the valley. Bridalveil falls is an easy walk that takes you near the base of the waterfall. It's said that as the mist hits you, you will find your own true love. As with many myths, take this with a grain of salt, but it's nice to be romantic on vacation.

The falls themselves are wispy and quite tall, definitely worth the short trip up to the base. Along the drive you will cross a river, maybe spot the campers using the grilling stations and picnic tables, and taking advantage of the bridge spanning the river to jump in for a swim. Unfortunately, I tried to venture a bit off to the side of the main area. I was soon driven back, due to the mass of mosquitoes. Within five minutes, I had about twenty bites so don't forget your bug spray, especially during July. Marvelous views, adventure waiting just around the corner, and although crowded, there is always a little space available for yourself.

Having a passion for visiting Yosemite and playing Cajun Zydeco Music, I was thrilled when learning the Yosemite Lodge hired our band, the Blues Box Bayou Band, to play 4 nights at the Yosemite Lodge that included New Years 2006.

The travel from Sonora via Hwy 120 was a perfect day. With a stopover in Groveland for a warm cup of coffee, the trip was more pleasurable, as it was a day that was filled with rain and few visitors heading towards the park. A CD played in the background as I inched up the hill, seeing fall colors that were fading and the feel and look of winter.

As I climbed closer and going through some granite tunnels, the panoramic views of cascading water falls began to appear, and the backgound of El Capitan was welcoming me home. Being a visiting musician, the Yosemite Lodge treats us well; the only discomfort is travelling with other musicians and four guys to a room. Sorry, not romantic.

Over and over, visitors were worldwide, and the amount of families sharing a post-Christmas was heartwarming. The patrons loved the music; however, the best part was only beginnng, as each of us had all day to explore, and for me, it was the morning walks for the sites and sounds of this crown jewel. Armed with a fresh breakfast and coffee, my camera caputured every moment of that morning walk.

Our days included spontaneous laughter, music, and the sharing of memories of Yosemite. Our nights are filled with entertainment and our days of exploring by foot this beauty.  I told Yosemite managment, "You guys have it all wrong--I would pay you to have this experience."

The park was created by glaciers that carved out the mountain rock as they recessed millions of years ago. The park is essentially a three-mile wide, flat valley with amazing scenery. The park is home to several types of wildlife, but most notably, the mountain lion, black bear, bobcat, and coyote. In fact, on our way out of the park we got to see a baby coyote in a field playing. Therefore, don't be surprised if you see these creatures around when you are hiking. (Don't worry: if you don't provoke them, they won't bother you!)

There are easily five waterfalls right on the main roads in the park. We did quite a bit of hiking and climbing around the waterfalls; however, there was a lot we weren't able to access because of the snow. We went the second week of April and the snow was waist high in some areas of the park. I would suggest that if you go, do so from mid-May through September when all the roads are open to the public. Also, be sure to fill-up on gas before you head off to the park--there is really nowhere to fill-up outside of Mariposa and if you run out you are essentially just out of luck. I would also recommend taking a picnic lunch so you can avoid Yosemite Village all together. It's a tourist trap with nothing more to offer than shopping. Don't waste your time inside a store when you are at the park!! Instead, enjoy one of America's most beautiful scenic areas!

Park entrance fees are $20 per car per day. We chose to buy an annual National Park Pass; it allows us access to any park for one year. It paid for itself on that vacation because we spent four days inside the three parks in that area and saved $30!