Post date: Mar 13, 2012 6:54:12 PM
March 13, 2012
This morning we started the day with sunny weather in the valley. We heard there is rain in the Bay Area this morning we so we are gearing up for the rain. There were clouds forming at Crane Flat according to the Rotation 1 (Trees) group that came into camp today. Rotation 2 headed up to the Crane Flat campus this morning at 8:30 dressed in gear for skiing. Rotation 1 came in about 1.5 hours later filled with cheerful, excited students. They were very impressed with the food provided by YI. We understood that the chef at one time was the pastry chef at the Ahwahnee Hotel. For example, I heard they had pumpkin muffins with ginger icing this morning. Nothing like keeping a group happy with good food. They enjoyed the snowy environment, and did some skiing. I'm sure I'll hear more this evening. (The food in Curry Village has also been excellent!)
Yesterday we had several groups go through the Spider Caves including the Ravens and the Stellar Jays from Rotation 6. Today we have two groups scheduled for that challenging activity. The Awhaneechee group climbed to OMG, a stunning overlook of the valley just beyond Columbia Point. Today we have two hiking groups that left early because they were going to try and summit the Upper Yosemite Falls. Because the snow has been so limited this year, the trail is completely ice free. Yesterday and today, thanks to our clear skies, the views must be spectacular.
Tonight we have two groups participating in night activities. Last night we also had two groups in night activities. They enjoyed an outstanding view of the stars we never see in Cupertino and Sunnyvale. These events are called corpuscular (don't know if I spelled that correctly) events meaning they happen at the transitions from day to night. Two other groups, Rotation 2, and 6, enjoyed an evening program from Dave the Bear man. Ask your students all the wonderful things they learned about bears in California. This is one of THE BEST, most interesting and informative nature programs I have heard. Tonight two groups will have a "free night" with an hour in Curry Village's Historic Lounge complete with fire tonight. It is a chance to play cards, talk, get caught up on journals, etc. It is a nice break and gives students and adults ample time to shower and get to bed.
Last night after lights out the camp was very quiet. No marauding raccoons, or maybe everyone was just so tired that they didn't notice any more. I enjoyed a break with the two groups returning from the auditorium to stop in the quiet darkness to just take in the power of the night sky and the granite walls that surround us. Day or night, Yosemite Valley can mesmerize anyone. It is no wonder that John Muir was so inspired to ensure that this park would be available to future generations.
I want to take some time to thank the staff that is at school supporting us from afar with a reduced staff. We could not provide this memorable opportunity to our students without the support and commitment from our Principal, Kara Butler, and all the other staff members in the office.
All for today,
Mary Enright