Part 1 - Back in Time in Yosemite - The Drive

Recently, I drove to Yosemite to attend the Yosemite Environmental Law Conference. Not being a lawyer, I was happy to discover that this conference was attended by many of the top California environmental consulting firms. The consultants came to meet California attorneys and learn about hot topics at the intersection of environmentalism and law. Of particular interest to me are the sessions on the Clean Water Act at 40, Green Chemistry and Hydraulic Fracturing.

I can't think of a more inspiring and wonderful location than Yosemite National Park for an environmental conference. 

Yeah!!!


Adding to my excitement was the fact that I could travel by car instead of by airplane.  I set out in my Prius with no expectations of the journey except the goal of arriving at my hotel before dark. I mapped out my route on Google Maps and then set out.  The day was sunny and the roads clear as I drove listening to the Eagles and Buddha Bar on itunes.  All was fine until my Google Maps directions differed from the information displayed on the road signs.

What!!! Oh no!!!

Google Maps told me to follow Route 99 South while the road signs directed me to follow Route 120 toward Sonora and Yosemite. 

What to do while traveling at 65 miles an hour?

I made my choice (follow road signs) and continued.  After passing through the Central Valley, where the almond trees and farms gradually transitioned to oak trees, golden foothills and curvy roads, my little Prius climbed and climbed up to 6000 feet and then entered long dark tunnels that cut through the mountains and finally headed down again to emerge on to the Yosemite Valley floor.

Nirvana!

The meadow, the gray cliffs bathed with light, the birds soaring above, the giant rocks framing the sky, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls; how could I embrace all this beauty? 

Then up again to 5000 feet and into long dark tunnels … then down again to 4000 feet.Trees, light, green, brown, blue, forest smells, pine cones, clouds, quiet;  so much beauty it was hard to take it all in. 

At the gate to Yosemite the Park Ranger gave me directions to my hotel.  She said "Go 18 miles, turn left, go two miles and turn right.  It takes about one and a half hours”. Exactly 90 minutes later as per her directions, I arrived at Wawona Hotel.  The long circular driveway wrapped around a bubbling fountain ending at a grand staircase and porch full of wicker chairs. The lobby is bustling with hotel guests reading newspapers, sitting by the fireplace, having drinks and listening to the pianist play Cole Porter.  

This was the beginning of a great adventure!