Mystery Location

See that in the distance?  Do you know where I might be? 

While scampering through Yosemite, I stopped at Olmsted Point—what a view of Half Dome and the endless granite wilderness! 🦊 It’s named after Frederick Law Olmsted and his son, who were big-time landscape thinkers and helped make sure places like this stayed wild and beautiful for everyone. I perched on a rock, tail flicking in the breeze, feeling thankful they protected this stunning spot just for curious critters like me!

The Olmsteds left their pawprints in Portland (as well as many other famous parks).  Frederick Law Olmsted’s sons helped plan a whole system of green spaces and trails in the early 1900s to keep nature close, even in a growing city.  Frederick Law Olmsted, often called the father of American landscape architecture, helped design Central Park in New York City, Boston’s Emerald Necklace, and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. His sons and firm continued the legacy with work in places like; Seattle, Washington; Louisville, Kentucky; and the National Park system, including Yosemite and Acadia. 🦊

I scampered up the steep hike  of Lembert Dome.The views stretched across Tuolumne Meadows like a golden blanket

It was a tough hike (short and steep) but totally worth it. The granite (at least I think that's it) was easy to walk on.

This fox isn't stupid - as much as I wanted to get to the tip top doesn't seem like the worlds best idea - time to explore more of the park.

Tuolumne Meadows is a wide, peaceful stretch of high-country grassland where I, Little Fox, love to chase butterflies and sniff wildflowers beneath the big Sierra sky. 🦊 With the Tuolumne River flowing through and granite domes all around, it feels like nature's own quiet playground, far from the crowds.

Tucked beside the Tuolumne River, I found Parsons Lodge—a cozy stone building where people still gather to talk about protecting wild places like this. 🦊 

Just a paw’s length away, Soda Springs bubbles right out of the ground, fizzing with natural carbonated water (though it smells a little funny to my nose!). It’s a magical spot where history, nature, and curious foxes all come together.

It was a whirlwind trip to Tuolumne Meadows and it's one of my favorite places in Yosemite. t 8,600 feet, it’s a huge, grassy meadow surrounded by granite domes, winding rivers, and snowy peaks.

The Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail both pass right through Tuolumne Meadows, making it a busy crossroads for hikers and foxes alike.  Time to head back and visit with Sequoia as he has to stay behind (not much for a dog to do in Yosemite)

 

Yosemite on my mind.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller

Spending the night in a tent cabin at Yosemite isn't the most daring adventure in the world but it's a lot of fun.  This fox needs hot chocolate, luckily there was plenty of dining options at the park. 

I read that they have a famous hotel here at Yosemite, called the Awanhee Hotel and it's pretty darn nice (and expensive).  However, it fits into my mission of seeing the great hotels.
I took a tour to learn more.

I can't believe I have the mural room all to myself. Where's room service? I could use a cup of hot chocolate. 

I am a sucker for a good mural and a forest scene to boot.  Right up my alley.

After the mural room I headed upstairs to wander around. 

The main hall was used as a hospital after WWII for recovering soldiers.  A the height of the recovery there were 900 hospital beds.  Of course, back in the day smoking was allowed in hospitals and with 900 soldiers recovering from service there was a lot of smoking going on and that being said some of the decor was damaged.  

Here is the great hall today.  Notice the rug on the wall?

The Awanhee Hotel has one of the largest Turkish rug collection in the world.  The builder of the hotel noticed the rugs being used a packing material for crates on San Francisco harbor.  There were lots and lots of rugs and they were cheap (my kind of guy) and so they bought them, used them in the Awanhee Hotel and the rest is history.

This room looks comfy.

A great hotel but it's time to explore the valley. 

Is that Half Dome or El Capitan?

Yosemite Falls is in full motion.  This year there was record rainfall in California so the falls are flowing strong. 

I decided to take a day trip to Glacier Point.  Nice view but the wildfires are restricting my view. Phooey.  

After a few minutes and a few miles on the trail the view opened up.  

After a few more miles on the trail I ended up at the base of Vernall Falls.  

All of these falls flow into the Merced River.  Interesting fact: Merced was a close contender for naming the dog, Sequoia.

Time to leave the valley. 

Waiting for the bus

The bus took me to Mariposa, California and dropped me off in front of a brewery.  My kind of bus line. 

California, here I come!

"One day if I go to heaven... I'll look around and say 'It ain't bad. But it ain't San Francisco.'" — Herb Caen


Hello readers, welcome back to my travelogue/philosophical journey.  Last time I checked in with my blog audience I fell asleep in a comfy chair, had a dream to go to California, and well, here I am.

As you may or may not recall my journey to find myself started with an idea to see the great lodges of the Northwest.  I decided to expand my search to the great hotels.  Here's a pretty fancy place in San Francisco. I didn't stay here because it's a tad expensive but it's a cool place to check out. 

My hotel was pretty cool too.  It was built after the 1906 earthquake and fire and it's in great shape for being over 100 years old.  I am waiting patiently for the bellhop  to bring up my luggage. 

Huh, no mention of the stuffies making the 8th floor great.  I better have a chat with the manager. 

Boxed water?  Huh, only in California.  This coffee cup is the perfect size for me. 

Time to explore.  This plaque commemorates San Francisco's sister cities.  I got to tour the old church in the background too.  Not a bad place, they said "everyone's welcome" and as a fox in an urban city I appreciate that. 

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a walk down Chinatown.  Should I buy one of those crispy ducks hanging in the window of certain stores?

No duck but I did get Dim Sum.  It was such a nice day I decided toto walk down to the pier.

I look good against the background of San Francisco don't I?

I think this picture has the potential to be on the front of the blog.  Notice the big smile on my face.

On the way back to the hotel I headed through Ghiradelli Square.  

This place is awesome!

Next stop: Yosemite!!!!!!!

I started my journey at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite.  It was a beautiful area that wasn't too crowded.

Of course there is a big dam making the reservoir and it's somewhat controversial.  It makes for a great lake and wonderful views. 

Let's do some hiking:   Where should I go?  

I didn't go to any of those places but I found a nice trail around the lake. 

Goodness, this fox is tired.  I need to find some lodging.  I hear Curry Village has lots of tent cabins.  It ain't the Ritz but it will do.