Content Wrapper

[orlando]

We are planning a spectacular one day meet on Saturday May 3rd to Yosemite.
There should be lots of wild flowers blooming and plenty of water cascading down the waterfalls. What could be better than cruising with your Kappa brethren through Yosemite Valley in the spring?

Unfortunately, they have increased the park admission fee again so come prepared.
Entrance Fees
Car, RV, etc. ($25 in '08) Valid for 7 days


For those of you who are coming from the northern district;
We will meet in Oakdale at Cindy's Restaurant, 800 N Yosemite Ave between 8:30 and 9am. We would like to leave as close to 9am as possible. From there we will head to Yosemite on 120 for 90 miles to Yosemite Village for lunch. From there we will head to Glacier Point which will take an additional hour. So as you can see this will be a full day.

Gas up in Oakdale. It gets even more expensive as you get closer to Yosemite. From Oakdale to the entrance gate at Big Oak Flat was 67 miles and about 1 1/2 hours then an additional half hour to the Valley Floor. When we get to the intersection of 140/41 we can go to Arch Rock from that point and travel 4 miles to the Arch Rock Entrance, flip around and head right back towards the valley floor all going through Arch Rock.

New Priest Grade: This is Highway 120 and is 6 miles and very curvy. In the East bound direction (uphill) the passenger will be sitting on the outside of the hill, overlooking the edge. Busses and trucks use this route. It tends to flow at somewhere between 20 and 30 miles per hour.

Old Priest Grade: This is a narrow country road, not a State Highway and is half the curves of New Priest Grade, a third the distance, very steep at three times the pitch and flows at 20-25 miles per hour or less.

From the fish hatchery, you can go either the 6.5 mile winding "New" Priest Grade (Hwy 120) or the short cut...the "Old Priest Grade", which the locals prefer. This is a narrower road, but you climb 1,575 feet in a bit over 2 miles because it is a very steep 17% grade at some places. Delivery trucks and RV's stay off this road, so you won't get stuck behind one. It is much less curvy than the longer route. It also put's the passenger on the hill side of the road and not looking off the edge into Grizzly Gulch.


For those of us coming from the Southern and Central Distict.
We could figure out our own meeting spot or individually we could just meet up with the northern contingent at the Deli for lunch at Yosemite Village around 11:30am. After lunch will will cruise the valley floor, check out some waterfalls, and head up to Glacier Point as a group.
We will communicate via this thread and figure it out as we go.

I have attached a map that show the various routes into the park. The northern contingent with be taking the 120, but there is also Hwy 140 and Hwy 41 for us coming up from the south.

We will be having lunch at the Deli. I am not sure if we will order in advance or not. It could save us a lot of time if we do. I think we will take orders in the parking lot of Cindy's/Oakdale before we depart and call them in.

Here is what the menu has. You have your choice of breads, they have about 10 different ones, all come with lettuce & tomato.
1) Ham & swiss
2) Turkey & swiss
3) Roast Beef & Cheddar
4) Salami, Ham & Pepperoni
5) Gilled Chicken & Swiss
6) Vegetarian
7) Tuna

After lunch we can attempt some photo shoots along the valley floor and visit some waterfalls. The drive to Glacier Point will take us about 45 to 50 minutes, but well worth the drive up, the views are remarkable.
There is plenty of parking and snacks and restrooms at the top now.

After we get done at Glacier Point I think it is pretty much a done deal at that point and everyone can head back down the mountain. Once at the intersection you can choose your best route back home. Some might be staying over in the valley or close by. Many of us will travel home together and meet for dinner. We will leave this open for now.

I really hope you all can make it.