If you see these guys working our roads, be patient these men are fixing the roads so cars can run more smoothly and the underworks of our pipe systems keep the flow going. They are working between the breaks in the storms of either rain or the snow and or the ice, to get all there preparations ready for all the late spring and summer visitor influx into Yosemite. It will be busy enough then, so hold steady...a lot of people need to get on their way...where ever that may be.
For persons in a bigger hurry you can always enjoy nature better with a walk or a stroll along the many well trod paths. Some are pathed and others are earth hardened and lined with rocks, and signs to make certain you know where you are going. Unless you know the forest well and have noted the landmarks, please stay on the paths. We can come to find you, however we prefer that you know where you are going and staying on the paths can be a certain guarantee.
While on your hike you may see these large metal containers around. They are legend and cost a lot of money to place around the park. The are supplied by the National Park Service and are known as Bear Boxes. Their intended use is for food storage. Bears smell food from humans, in their cars, in their back packs, on their persons, and from discarded trash. All of the food one is not using at the moment is supposed to be placed or left in these boxes in order to keep the food safe from the Bears or other forest wildlife. People who have visited the Yosemite Valley or other National Parks should be very familiar with the sight of the Bear Boxes. Others may find them unusual, unless they have had their food cache stolen or had Bear break into their vehicles. Bears love roaming the parking lots and breaking into a car to steal anything that resembles a food item. So if you need to use a Bear Box, help yourself. Bears will not bother your food if you keep it close or on your back in a backpack, but if you drop your food on the ground inside your favorite Janzen, and walk to a scenic spot, be well aware you may come back to see your Bear friends scurrying away wearing your backpack!
Along your walk you may find items like this. This is an artifact. It is made of iron and possibly used during the stable days or horse bearing days about 100 years ago. I challenge you to find this. I will give you a clue. It is near the Royal Arches and near a well walked path. If you can locate it come at see me Merrily McCarthy at the Ahwahnee Hotel...just ask the front desk to find me. Perhaps you know more about it and would like to give me more details. This iron ring is permanently imbedded in this portion of granite, so do not pull it out hoping to bring me this ring. It can not be done and you would not want to move this piece of old history. It is ours to enjoy.
This is one of the first spring plants to be shooting up out of the earth. We see more and more of this even with the ice and snow storms. While walking watch out for branches, rocks, ice, and cones. Other hikers are always good to see, especially when you are in the forest. It is a fun place to let the world roll away and get acquainted with someone new. Share something special and perhaps make a new friend. Be like this plant, ready and open to experience the new wonders of spring time.
