This year, we had both the misfortune and luck to arrive in Yosemite National Park the day before the federal government shutdown began. When we checked into our campsite we were told that if the shutdown happened we would likely have 48 hours to be out of the park, and that even if we chose to stay, the park would not be much fun as all non-essential services would be unavailable. We had already rented a nice travel trailer for a week, so we decided to just get in as much fun as possible before they kicked us out.
We ended up being able to stay 3 of the 5 nights we had planned, and as for fun, I think we did pretty well! We rode our bikes for hours, and everywhere. Because the park was not admitting any more visitors, traffic was very light and we essentially had free run of the place. Lawson and Hayden took turns riding in the trailer and the iBert seat on the front of my bike, and they seemed to enjoy their mobile naps. The village store was open, but the theaters, shops, and galleries were all closed, meaning that we were compelled to stay out in the sun and fresh air basically the entire trip. We even attempted a hike to Vernal Falls, but only made it as far as the bridge. I'm sure we'll make it all the way next year, though!
My sister Grace's family was there also, and so we also had the chance to spend time with them. My brother-in-law took the boys to do some rock climbing on the boulder wall near Yosemite Village, and the cousins had a wonderful time riding their bikes around the campground. (I lost my camera in the course of the trip, so I'm missing photos of a lot of great times. The photos here are all from my phone, so please excuse the quality. )
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| Hobo Stew! |
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| The day we finally had to leave this is what the park looked like: deserted. There were deer and raccoon wandering everywhere, and a bear ran right through the campground in broad daylight. |
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| The Upper Pines Campground, as empty as I will ever see it. |
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