XCElement
05-16-2003, 09:14 PM
Here's a shot of my GG element in front of the huge rock face of "El Capitan".
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement/capitan.txt
This was taken at the giant sequoias at the south end of the park.
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement100/mariposas.jpg
The element isn't in these pictures but I thought they were interesting...
panoramics of the Hetch Hetchee Reservoir and
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement/hetchhetchee2.jpg
a view from the Bridal Vail falls area.
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement/elcapitan.jpg
My girlfriend and I camped the first night in the Element at the Hodgodon campsite near the west entrance. It was raining like crazy so I didn't sleep much, but 'd guess it would be much better than being in a tent that night! With the seats pulled all the way forward, I could easily lay down (I'm 6'1"). All the food/gear went in the "bear box". Good thing. We saw 2 black bears (one hiking -yikes!/one on the road). Night #2 was at the Yosemite Lodge. It reminded me less of a lodge and more of a summer camp.
TIPS: I was there for the first weekend in May, and the park was empty. This first timer got lucky. I got a room in the Yosemite Lodge on short notice. Just keep calling -cancellations are necessary 3 days in advance (209) 379-2123 --direct line to YNP. I hustled to get a "waterfall view" but don't sweat it. Most rooms in the valley looked to have a waterfall view. Just step outside.
The NPS trail maps/signage sucks there. Maybe a guidebook would be best if you need good maps.
I was there for 3 days and could have spent 3 times that much time just taking pictures. Ansel Adams's gallery is way cool.
There were no lines anywhere and tons of parking this time of year. We did the Yosemite Falls trail nearby the Lodge. 5-hours, and well worth it. Ultimate views of Half Dome. The whole park is amazing. Check the "Grizzly" Sequoia tree. Stunning.
The E averaged 23 MPG (4WD Auto) over 500 miles in serously hilly terrain.
And, I saw a black E driving into the west entrance on my way out. Are you a member here?
Hope that was useful. I just had the best time and wanted to share some comments. Someone else on the boards said they did some off-roading in YNP. Maybe next time.
(Of course, keep trying later if the pictures don't show)
*Updated 10/06
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement/capitan.txt
This was taken at the giant sequoias at the south end of the park.
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement100/mariposas.jpg
The element isn't in these pictures but I thought they were interesting...
panoramics of the Hetch Hetchee Reservoir and
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement/hetchhetchee2.jpg
a view from the Bridal Vail falls area.
http://www.geocities.com/xcelement/elcapitan.jpg
My girlfriend and I camped the first night in the Element at the Hodgodon campsite near the west entrance. It was raining like crazy so I didn't sleep much, but 'd guess it would be much better than being in a tent that night! With the seats pulled all the way forward, I could easily lay down (I'm 6'1"). All the food/gear went in the "bear box". Good thing. We saw 2 black bears (one hiking -yikes!/one on the road). Night #2 was at the Yosemite Lodge. It reminded me less of a lodge and more of a summer camp.
TIPS: I was there for the first weekend in May, and the park was empty. This first timer got lucky. I got a room in the Yosemite Lodge on short notice. Just keep calling -cancellations are necessary 3 days in advance (209) 379-2123 --direct line to YNP. I hustled to get a "waterfall view" but don't sweat it. Most rooms in the valley looked to have a waterfall view. Just step outside.
The NPS trail maps/signage sucks there. Maybe a guidebook would be best if you need good maps.
I was there for 3 days and could have spent 3 times that much time just taking pictures. Ansel Adams's gallery is way cool.
There were no lines anywhere and tons of parking this time of year. We did the Yosemite Falls trail nearby the Lodge. 5-hours, and well worth it. Ultimate views of Half Dome. The whole park is amazing. Check the "Grizzly" Sequoia tree. Stunning.
The E averaged 23 MPG (4WD Auto) over 500 miles in serously hilly terrain.
And, I saw a black E driving into the west entrance on my way out. Are you a member here?
Hope that was useful. I just had the best time and wanted to share some comments. Someone else on the boards said they did some off-roading in YNP. Maybe next time.
(Of course, keep trying later if the pictures don't show)
*Updated 10/06