Excerpts from my e-mail, newest on top
> We have a Sunday this year.
> Will we have a much smaller crowd?
Ranger Dave Balogh expects about the same size of
crowd. Monday is also a holiday, so people can stay for Sunday events.
> I see warning signs about bears. Has this really been
> a problem? Or are the rangers merely being cautious?
Yes, there often are bears in the camp and at
Glacier Point; it's no exaggeration. They are active day and
night, sniffing around for anything that smells like food.
The bear pictures at the bottom of the main Yosemite page were
taken at Glacier Point by amateur astronomers.
In one case, a tent was sliced open and a sleeping
bag removed by a bear; clearly the bag smelled of food. A
human would have simply unzipped the tent.
In 2007 we had two bears near the telescopes.
When the astronomers were off to one side, a bear snatched
a bag that had candy in it. The bag was found 20 feet away,
one end neatly sliced open and the candy removed. The following
night, we were adament about NO SNACKS at the star
party. We had no trouble.
In 2009, Rangers were at the star parties all evening,
and chased bears as they came sniffing around.
For information on what to do, how to store food,
etc., see
the park's bear information page.
> What about the gate pass?
> Can I get in without it?
Without the gate pass, you'd pay the $20 entrance
fee. However, if the park is full, people could be turned
away, but the gate pass would get you in. The Golden Age Pass
will get you in for free, but I don't know if it would get
you in if the park is full.
You will also need the pass to get out
of the park, so hang onto it. In theory the pass is also needed
for the camp sites, but we're seldom asked for it. They run
the volunteer's campsites mostly on the honor system.
If the gatekeeper doesn't understand the pass,
or if you have lost it, ask for a visitor's pass to visit
David Balogh at Glacier Point. Then see me for a replacment,
or have Dave (or another ranger) sign it.
> Are we expected to bring our own tents,
> camp stoves and other gear, and food?
Yes. Bring everything, including filled refillable
water containers. Cold water is available but not everywhere.
There is a mix of pit and flush toilets. Baths consist of warming
a bit of water on the camp stove and sponging off the day's
dust and sweat. Baby Wipes have been suggested, but I have not
tried them. (Let me know if you have tried this.)
> Is there a store in the park? What about ice?
There is a small store and fast food place at
Glacier point that closes about 6 or 7 pm, but does not have
ice.
The big store (groceries, clothing, ice, etc.)
is in the valley, about 30 miles and about an hour each way.
They have bagged ice cubes. To find it, follow signs for "Yosemite
Village". While following them, also watch for "Store", and
switch to following those.
Bring as much as you can from home. The valley
is utterly beautiful, but traffic very heavy and slow.
> What camp sites are reserved for astronomers?
In the past our sites have been on the "C" loop,
sites 81, 83, 85, 94, and 95. All are on the left side the
road, along a long curve. The curve and sites enclose a large
common area "behind" the sites, where tents can be set up.
Sites 89 and 93 are also on the left (between
85 and 94, of course), but are not reserved
for us. If you come up early, try to buy one of these sites
for the weekend.
> What sort of weather should we expect?
Sunny and hot days, chilly evenings. Possibly thunder
and lightning, rain and wind. Yosemite is not within the San
Jose coastal climate.
At Glacier Point (elevation 7200 ft), days can
reach 95 and nights nearer 40. The valley (4000 ft) can be
20 degrees higher. Bring a big heavy coat, light jacket, two
flannel shirts, shorts, long lined pants, and on top of all,
a warm cap. The air chills suddenly about 5 to 6 pm.
> Is a GPS receiver useful?
GPS receivers do pretty well on the drive up
to the gates. They are erratic on the park roads as trees
are abundant and radio-opaque. In the Valley, they fail due
to the trees and steep rock walls.
> Is internet access available?
Not at Glacier Point nor in the camp. See
the Park's internet page regarding the valley hotels and
libraries that provide some access.
> Is gasoline available in the park?
There is a gas station on the road from the
Crane Flat entrance, but I don't know exactly where it is.
The price is some 50% more than in smaller cities.
When you are driving to Yosemite, you'll probably
go through Oakdale or Merced. Fill the gas tank there -- from
now on, the price goes up with elevation. It's about 115 miles
from Oakdale to Glacier Point. From Merced it's about 102
miles to the Point.
> How far away are the nearest non-camping
> accommodations (such as the canvas tents)
The nearest is a small community / development
called Yosemite West. It has some hotels and a Bed & Breakfast.
Google on "Yosemite West". Some of our members have stayed
there. From Glacier Point, the entrance to Yosemite West is
about 17 miles (as compared to 10 miles from the Point to
the camp).
> Are camp sites available in Bridalveil Campground on Friday?
Odds are against it; perhaps early in the day.
You have a better chance on Thursday. Sites cost $15/day in
2009,
> What other information may I find?
The park's own
FAQ page has lots of answers, and links to even more.
Clear Skies!
To School home page. Mail to
Jim Van Nuland.
Last updated:
2010 September 1, 1446, 1623
hours, pdt
