Yosemite
Memoirs
by Philip A. Russell, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2008, 2012 by Philip A. Russell, Ph.D.
Smashwords
Edition
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.
The ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you
would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an
additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and
did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then
please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you
for respecting the hard work of the author.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage the piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
For the many guest’s of Yosemite and traveler’s from around the world, my Mother and Father, the best friends that I’ll ever have, Gloria Johnson, who inspired me to experience California, Tina Glanzman, who inspired me to experience Yosemite, and Beulah Adams, who inspired me to write a book.
Table of Contents
Chapter
1
Heading toYosemite
Chapter
2
A new postion and great livelihood
Chapter
3
Centered and into my comfort zone
Chapter
4
The fires of 1990
Chapter
5
Blessed with many genuine friendships
Chapter
6
A year of reading, inspiration, and growth
Chapter
7
A wet winter and spring with a new concessionaire
Chapter
8
Traveling to the high country
Chapter
9
The year of the park closure
Chapter
10
The Yosemite rockslide of 1996
Chapter
11
The flood of 1997
Chapter
12
The rains of El Nino
Chapter
13
A year of change, growth, and travel to new
destinations
Chapter
14
Completing a bachelors degree, on hold for many
years
Chapter
15
Earning a masters degree
Chapter
16
My Father’s passing and earning a doctorate
Chapter
17
The passing of Everette, hiking, reading,
writing, and traveling to Boston
Chapter
18
Traveling to Oregon
Chapter
19
Moving ahead with distance learning
Chapter
20
Writing and traveling back to Boston
Chapter
21
Daily budgets
A number of friends from around the United States provided valuable and inspirational advice for this project. My warmest thanks go to those who are mentioned and to the many individuals whose teaching and contributions this memoir reflects, including:
Dr. John R. Adam, Jane Burnham, Charles Burtis, Father Maurice Chase, Michael & Michelle Cosgrove, Ken Cosgrove, Dr. John L. Cox, Mike Craigie, Spike and Kitty Cryderman, Bob and Esther Donavan Dick and Donna Doyle, Jim and Ann Faulkner, Virginia Ferguson, Ron, Barb, and Jeni Galli, Jona and Debra Goldschmidt, John & Virginia Grande, Franco Greco.
And Winslow Hancock, Ed and Janet Hardy, Bud and Elaine Hartigan, Mary Hayes, Dr. Dennis Herschbach, Rosemary Humphrey, Dudley Kendall, Susan Kessler, David Lindsay, Erik, Carolyn, and Becky Lund, James and Nancy Maness, Constance McAllister, Michael McAuliffe, Bob and Ann McPherson, Harry and Linda Meyer, Tim and Florence Miles.
And Barbara Miller, Mary Ann Noonan, J. Wally Pegram, John and Linda Poore, Ken and Jane Schwartz, Craig and Mary Ann Smith, William French Smith III, Dennis Steigerwalt, Conrad Walla, Leslie Whatley, and, Caleb Whitbeck.
Thank you all
Waking up around 4:30am on the morning of January 2,1997, I listened as drops of rain fell from the window of our cabin. Walking through the flood water to the rest room and shower, I noticed that many of the dorms were deserted and flooded. Returning to our cabin, I prepared to move, to a higher location, and, packed my clothes and belongings, as if I were leaving on a vacation. With all of the roads out of Yosemite National Park closed, and water rising, there was a high level of uncertainty, as the rain continued to fall: where the people who were evacuated from their rooms would sleep, how long the rain would continue, and, when it would be possible to leave the park? Meanwhile, I tried to accentuate the positive and continued to assist our guests with updates on the weather conditions, evacuations, and, places to sleep.
Located on 747,956 acres with 1,169 square miles, Yosemite was named after its Indian Inhabitants, “the full grown grizzly bear.” Recorded history began in October, 1849, when two gold miners, one of whom kept a journal, viewed Yosemite Valley for the first time. In the late 1850’s, many changes came to Yosemite. Men from the nearby Mariposa Estate came to survey for water rights. In 1855, Milton and Horace Mann built a fifty mile trail, from nearby Mariposa to Yosemite, which opened in 1856. The charge was one dollar for hikers and two dollars for horseman. The first stagecoach roads were completed from 1855 to 1874. In the fall of 1856, four miners built the first hotel in Yosemite, the Yosemite Valley Inn, also known as the Lower Hotel, which looked like a barn with its rooms resembling stalls, but the surrounding beauty was so great that few lodgers complained. On June 29,1864, President Abraham Lincoln authorized the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove areas to be granted to California, as a State Park.
In 1868, John Muir arrived in Yosemite. Scottish born and raised in Wisconsin, he worked as a sheepherder for one season and then as a carpenter and saw mill operator. Muir examined the biological, geographical, and aesthetic details of Yosemite and became a local expert on the natural features of the park. He published such writings as The Mountains of California, (1894), Our National Parks, (1901), My First Summer in the Sierra, (1911) and, The Yosemite, (1912), which helped him develop a national audience. Muir helped formulate bills submitted to Congress for enlarging the Yosemite and Mariposa grants, and, developing “a great national park or reservation”. In 1890, a two million acre park proposal was presented to Congress, and, on October1, 1890, President Benjamin Harris signed a bill establishing Yosemite as a National Park.
The first well known concessionaire in Yosemite was David Alexander Curry, who had taught school, and was the principal of Sequoia High School, in Redwood City California. David Curry left Redwood City in June, 1899, to open Camp Sequoia in Yosemite National Park. Named after his school in Redwood City, the camp had been operated the previous summer by William Thomas, an attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area. Camp Sequoia consisted of guest tent cabins, a bathhouse, and a cook’s tent, which was operated by a Chinese Chef. Curry changed the name to Camp Curry during the summer of 1899 and added more tents and facilities to accommodate additional guests. He handled many phases of the operation, wherever his expertise was needed, and would personally greet the guests with a “Welcome” and “Farewell” upon their arrival and departure from Camp Curry. The Curry family worked as waiters, waitresses, bussers, front desk clerks, and in various management positions as the Curry Company continued to grow and was eventually merged with another park concessionaire, the Yosemite National Park Company, to become the Yosemite Park and Curry Company. Many relatives and close friends of the Curry family were employed at Camp Curry, and, a number of them were professors and students at the University of California/Berkeley and Stanford University, spending their summers in Yosemite with some moving into year round management positions. The Curry family remained active in the management of the Yosemite Park and Curry Company until 1969.
I was living and working in Illinois when I learned about an opportunity to live and work in Yosemite National Park. Walking through the student union at the University of Illinois, I noticed a flyer that was posted about a summer job fair. Attending the next morning, I noticed that many of the booths were for resorts in the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. As I got closer to the exit, I noticed a large booth with a sign above it for Yosemite National Park, in California. I walked up to the booth where a male student was sitting, answering questions, taking names with phone numbers on a legal pad, and handing out applications. I visited with this individual who had worked in Yosemite. He shared his experiences with me, wrote my name and phone number on his legal pad, and handed me an application for employment. Leaving with a good insight on the housing situation, working conditions, meal program, and transportation, my initial reaction was that, having lived in Southern California, I could return to the west coast, work in Yosemite for a few years, and eventually, find a position in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a recession in the Midwest and finances shrinking, I drove home, completed my application for employment, sealed it in a stamped and addressed envelope, and mailed it from the nearest mailbox. Within a week, I received a call from a very nice individual, a senior at the University of Illinois, who had lived and worked in Yosemite during her summer breaks from college and would graduate in May. She explained many of the details about living and working in Yosemite: the meal plan, living conditions, working conditions, and many outdoor activities available in the park, and suggested that I call the Human Resource Department to confirm that my application had been received. Following her advice, I phoned the next morning and spoke with a very nice lady who confirmed that my application had arrived and explained the entry level positions that were available. I expressed my interest and received a letter of acceptance within a week. Discussing this opportunity with my folks, my mother did some research on transportation to Yosemite with a good friend, a travel agent. My mother put together all of the information that she had taken the time to research, purchased airline tickets, paid for one night’s stay at the Best Western Pine Cone Inn, en-route to Yosemite, located in Merced, California, and made it all possible for me to pursue this once in a lifetime opportunity.
I packed my personal items and arranged to have the mail forwarded to my post office box. With most of my belongings packed, Mom and Dad came over to our apartment with their van. We loaded the van and my car then headed for their townhouse where most of the items were stored. On the day before I left for Yosemite, Dad came over with the van and we transported the final load to their home, where I spent my last night in Champaign.
We left around 5am the next morning, and drove to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, where I would board a flight for Houston, en-route to San Francisco. We arrived around 8am with Mom and Dad dropping me off at the terminal. I thanked them for all of their assistance and driving me to Chicago as we said goodbye. Checking in for my flight, it seemed like I was in a mental daze with the joy of returning to California and uncertainty that comes from a new job and living in a place where one is not familiar. Arriving at the boarding gate, I boarded the plane and enjoyed breakfast en-route to our first stop in Houston. With a layover of approximately one hour, I walked through the terminal and boarded my next flight to San Francisco. Relaxing with a nice snack, I enjoyed our arrival into San Francisco with a great view of the bay and Oakland Bay Bridge. After we’d arrived at San Francisco International Airport, I walked to the baggage area, claimed my luggage, rode the escalator up to the next level, and checked in for my final flight, to Merced, California. Completing the check in process, I walked through the terminal and stopped at a food court for coffee. Observing the people who were dining there, I was amazed how relaxed they appeared to be with a casual disposition. It was great to be back in California again.
Walking to the boarding gate, I boarded my final flight for Merced. A much smaller plane than my previous flights, I enjoyed the trip from San Francisco to Merced which lasted for approximately thirty minutes. Arriving in Merced, I was literally amazed by the agricultural setting and smaller airport, similar to Central Illinois, where I was born and raised. I spent the night at a Best Western motel in Merced. Recovering from an ear infection, I checked in, showered, took my ear drops, ordered a pizza, enjoyed dinner, and went to sleep.
Waking up early the next morning, I checked out of the motel, phoned for a taxi, and rode to the Greyhound Terminal, in downtown Merced. There, I purchased a one way ticket to Yosemite, for a total of five dollars, boarded the VIA Bus, and rode to Yosemite National Park. Leaving Merced, we traveled along highway 140 with beautiful green hills, and, a gray and overcast sky with mountains in the background, it was like being in the middle of a dream, with miles of open space and beautiful surroundings. As we headed into the mountains, there were high granite cliffs on two sides. Eventually arriving in Yosemite, I was literally amazed by the scenery: a gray overcast sky, light rain, and beautiful waterfalls and mountains in the background. It was like living in a dream.
As we entered Yosemite National Park, I enjoyed the grand cliffs, waterfalls, granite walls, Merced River, and many trees. I noticed a campground, with a number of tents, and fair amount of activity. Coming into Yosemite for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery from all directions.
Arriving in Yosemite Village, I got off of the bus, carried my luggage to the General Office building, and went directly to the Human Resources Office, to process in for employment. With a number of college students arriving for the summer, I purchased a padlock to secure my personal items, from the Yosemite Village Store, and went through my indoctrination for employment: completing and signing many types of forms: U.S. citizenship, affirmative action, union membership, and, the Employee Meal Plan. Next, I walked to the uniform center, ordered my work uniforms, checked into housing for a tent assignment, and was issued a meal card. As we were walking to the housing office, I remember a very nice gentleman from New Orleans who I was walking with commenting, “This would be a perfect place for you, because you’re so laid back.” As it turned out, he was absolutely correct. With my new housing assignment, a tent cabin at camp ozone, and the employment processing completed for the day, I enjoyed lunch at the Yosemite Lodge Cafeteria, for the first time, with my meal card. As I left the cafeteria, I was confused about how to get back to my tent. Totally unfamiliar with the layout of the park, I asked another individual for directions and he kindly showed me the way back to my tent, located at Camp Ozone. Returning to my tent, I opened the door, hung my clothes, locked my personal belongings in the wooden cabinet, took some eardrops, pulled the blankets over myself to keep warm, and took an afternoon nap. Listening to the sound of light raindrops pounding on the canvas in the cool weather, and keeping still with the sound of the box spring mattress, I slept very well, relieved to have reached my destination. I felt like I’d come to a beautiful place with a casual setting, something that I’d grown accustomed to, growing up in a university community with a non materialistic lifestyle. Relaxed and well rested, I was no longer faced with the necessity of paying utility bills, buying groceries, or, purchasing gas for my car. After my rent, meal, and personal expenses, I could exist comfortably, on fifteen dollars a week. There was no need for a vehicle and my meals were covered by the meal plan, for a payroll deduction of thirty five dollars a week. I woke up late in the afternoon, showered, walked to the Lodge Cafeteria, and enjoyed a nice dinner with chocolate cake for dessert. Feeling good about being in Yosemite, the people seemed relaxed and friendly. I was thinking about the fact that I’d been away from camping since 1971, and outdoor activity that I always enjoyed. In my high school years, I would go camping and boating, with family and friends, nearly every weekend. With feelings similar to my camping trips in the late sixties and early seventies, I felt like I was in a very special place with many young people and positive energy. After dinner, I returned to the tent, set my alarm, and went to sleep.
Waking up early on my second morning in Yosemite, I enjoyed breakfast, and boarded the shuttle bus, for Yosemite Village. I walked to Human Resources department, completed my processing for employment, and headed to the Training Department, around the corner and down the hall, for Employee Orientation. Seated in a training room, we were greeted by a very enthusiastic individual with a warm and sincere introduction: “Welcome to Yosemite, good morning, I’m Mary Hayes and I’ll be conducting the orientation today.” I was truly inspired by this fine individual. Mary went above and beyond her call of duty to be very informative and hospitable. She made an excellent point of emphasizing that the greatest percentage of one’s income, when they work and live in Yosemite, is discretionary. Feeling centered and definitely in the right place, I found this information to be a great motivator to work hard, establish myself, pay off my debts, plan for the future, and prepare for retirement. Since I hadn’t maintained any long term employment with one organization for eight years, with accumulated debts from student loans, going to school full time, and, periods of unemployment, this was an excellent opportunity to financially get back on my feet.
On the first day of work, I woke up early, and enjoyed breakfast: bacon, eggs, toast, cereal, orange juice, and milk, at the Yosemite Lodge Cafeteria. Scheduled to begin at 8:30am, I arrived early, to turn in my paperwork. Along the way, I passed the cabins without bath, with the restrooms and showers in a separate building, where I heard the voices of the Yosemite Institute kids, from middle schools and high schools. They’ll spend a week in Yosemite, with their classmates, teachers, and chaperones, for hiking, outdoor classes, and programs. Working outdoors was a great way to stay good in physical shape while getting paid.
On my first weekend that I had off from work, I took a shuttle bus from Yosemite Lodge to Curry Village. With a laid back and rustic atmosphere, this was my first visit to Curry Village. I walked through the reading room, by the cafeteria, and over to the pool. I sat on a bench facing the pool and relaxed for a while. Amazed by the relaxed atmosphere of Curry Village, I walked to the tour booth to schedule a two hour tour of Yosemite Valley, offered to all new employees, free of charge. A fascinating tour, we traveled to many areas that one cannot reach in their own vehicle. One of the stops was at Tunnel View, where on a clear day, one can enjoy an excellent view of the Yosemite Valley. Our tour guide made an excellent suggestion: “to get out and find our own Yosemite.” This advice has worked for many years.
In the afternoon, I rode the shuttle bus back to Yosemite Lodge, enjoyed lunch at the cafeteria, and returned to Curry Village. From there, I walked to Happy Isles, and was fascinated by the strong water current from Vernal and Nevada Falls, which both spill into the Merced River.
I spent my weekends at Curry Village, swimming in the pool, and having dinner in their cafeteria, I’d relax with a newspaper in the coziness of the reading room at Curry Village, walk to Housekeeping Camp, purchase an ice cream bar, walk to the fallen tree, and sit, and along the Merced River, read, and watch the people riding in the rafts, and relax. I’d walk to Happy Isles, and sit on another fallen tree, along the river, with the cliffs high above, feeling well centered from a swim in the Curry Village pool, and, blessed by the meals at the Yosemite Lodge Cafeteria, and fine dinners at the Curry Village Cafeteria.
The Merced River with Yosemite Falls
My first summer in Yosemite was quite enjoyable with lots of free time in the evenings and weekends. With the smell of smoke from the evening campfires, I’d enjoy dinner at the Curry Village Cafeteria with such fine entrees as lasagna and southern fried chicken. In the evening, I’d relax on wooden seats in the outdoor gazebo at Yosemite Lodge. I became friends with a number of people and started to save money again, for the first time in years.
Inspired by the cliffs, waterfalls, sunshine, beautiful outdoor scenery, and clean air, I was focused on the cliffs, mountains, meadows, and being in a new environment, with many different areas to explore
In early September, I was sitting on a fallen tree along the river near Housekeeping Camp, enjoying an ice cream bar, when I noticed the traffic slowing down, and coming to a halt. I walked up the hill to the road where the traffic had slowed down and a number of people were out of their vehicle and taking pictures. When I reached the road, there was a large black bear, walking along the trail. This was my first bear sighting ever and one that I’ll always remember.
With heavy rain in October, Yosemite Falls, which had stopped running in the summer, was back in operation.
Yosemite has always attracted many interesting individuals from widely diverse backgrounds. Making many new friends and enjoying the park, I was able to spend a fair amount of my time soul searching. Enjoying my first Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner in Yosemite, there was an array of fine food with delicious turkey, ham, salads, pumpkin pie, and great holiday spirit in the park, and, a winter wonderland type of environment as many guests enjoyed the snow in Yosemite Valley. “It’s cooked with the Thanksgiving Dinner, by the top chef’s, at the Ahwahnee Hotel,” replied my good friend and supporter, Mike McHale.
A number of the guests that were staying at Yosemite Lodge over the Christmas holidays brought Christmas trees that were fully decorated, cookies, and, chocolate fudge. This seemed like a perfect ending for 1987 with the question of how long I would stay in the back of my mind. Inspired by the clean outdoor air, cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful outdoor scenery, with the comfort of the warm shuttle buses, I felt like I had found a very special place that I could call home, hopefully, for many years. I was beginning to focus on the future: paying off my debts, setting up an investment and retirement program, earning credibility, hiking, reading, and, traveling to my favorite places on vacation.
Places to Stay, Visit, & Relax
Days Inn-Merced
Web address: http://www.daysinn.com
1199 Motel Drive
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-722-2726
Located three miles from the Merced Transportation Center, where Greyhound stops, with air conditioning, cable TV, pool, fitness center, microwave, in room coffee, etc.
Motel 6
Web address: http://www.motel6.com
1414 V Street
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-384-2181
A fifteen minute walk from the Merced Transportation Center, with air conditioning, cable TV, pool, wireless Internet, etc.
The Slumber Inn
1315 W. 16th Street
Merced, California, 95340
Phone 209-722-5783:
Friendly, inexpensive, family owned, & rustic: A ten-minute walk from the Merced Transportation Center, with air conditioning, cable TV, microwave, refrigerator, with a 24hour 7 Eleven, laudromat, dry cleaners& many places to eat within a ten minute walk.
Merced Visitor’s Center
Web address: http://www.yosemite-gateway.org
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-724-8104
Located in the Merced Transportation center, next to the Greyhound Terminal & a great source for information about Yosemite and California: California lodging Information, travel planning, guide maps, Internet access, etc.
UC/Merced
Web address: http://www.ucmerced.edu
5200 N. Lake Road
Merced CA, 95343
Phone 209-228-6316
Directions; From the Amtrak Station, take the VIA Cat Tracks Bus. For schedule & fare information, the web address is: www.taps.ucmerced.edu, & choose the Cat Tracks option, or, call VIA Adventures: 209-384-1315.
Starbucks
Web address: http://www.starbucks.com
425 W. Main Street
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-723-2744
Located downtown. Fine coffee with great bagels and a friendly atmosphere. Walk north from 16th Street, 1 block, to Main Street, turn right, and continue to the downtown area, It’s just before the Main Place Stadium Cinema theatres, on the left side of the street.
Main Place Stadium Cinema Theatres
Web address:
403 W. Main Street
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-725-3456
10 movie theatres with bargain matinees, daily, until 6pm. One can call for show times.
Merced Multicultural Arts Center
Web address: http://www.artsmerced.org
645 W. Main Street
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-388-1090
Located in downtown Merced, one block from the Merced Transpo Center and two blocks from Starbuck’s and the Main Place Stadium Cinema Theatres with exhibits, concerts, and children’s classes. Please check online or call for hours
Playhouse Merced
Web address: http://www.playhousemerced.com
452 W. Main Street
Merced, CA, 95340
Offers exceptional live theatre and arts educations with strong community involvement.
Inn N Out Burger
1575 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 1-800-786-1000
Excellent hamburgers and friendly service on a consistent basis. A five to ten minute walk from the Merced Transportation Center.
KFC
1616 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Merced, CA, 95340
Phone 209-723-2877
Good and inexpensive meals with chicken dinners: fried chicken, biscuit, coleslaw , mashed potatoes, and a beverage. A five to ten minute walk from the Merced Transportation Center.
Chapter 2: A new position and great livelihood
In pouring rain, with a night time view of the San Francisco skyline, I arrived in San Francisco, my first overnight visit to the bay area in eight years. I checked in at the San Francisco International Hostel, located at Fort Mason, just above Fisherman’s Wharf, for a price of ten dollars a night. I settled into my bunk and wooden storage box underneath. On the first night, I enjoyed dinner at a pizzeria, located close to the hostel, in the Marina District, with an original thick crust pizza. With four days of relaxation and enjoyment, I toured Fisherman’s Wharf, the city, and visited with Jim Loakes, a good friend who introduced me to San Francisco in 1975. Jim picked me up at the hostel and drove to some of our favorite places, with a drive through many familiar areas of the city. He showed me a new establishment, with excellent hamburgers that had come into existence since my previous visit. “They’ve been awarded twice for having the best hamburgers in California, Jim responded.”
It was great to be back in San Francisco, with the openness of the city, and many fine places to enjoy.
With pouring rain in San Francisco, I woke up early on the second day, showered, dressed, did a ten minute chore, required of all guests at the hostel, and walked to Fisherman’s Wharf. Mentally centered for the day, I enjoyed a nice breakfast, and walked through the main areas of the wharf, eventually ending up in the North Beach area, with a number of bookstores, coffee houses, and Italian restaurants. I stopped at the City Lights Bookstore, a beacon for people living on the road, or, in the wilderness, where I browsed through a number of book titles. I boarded a Muni bus, for downtown San Francisco, and rode to the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero Hotel, across from the Ferry Building. There, I called Jim about plans for the second evening. An excellent host, Jim suggested that we have dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. We decided to meet at one of our favorite night spots at 5pm. Next, I walked along Market Street, and boarded a bus for a favorite San Francisco night spot where we would meet. Jim and I enjoyed happy hour with many of his friends. Later, we stopped by his house, with a family room overlooking the San Francisco skyline, and enjoyed dinner at a great restaurant. After a wonderful evening, Jim drove me back to the hostel, where I thanked him for a great dinner, and his fine hospitality.
Waking up early on my final day in San Francisco, with clear blue skies, I showered, dressed, walked down the hill to Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoyed breakfast, and went for an early morning walk, through the wharf area. There, I visited with the outdoor seafood vendors, who were setting up for the day, browsed through several gift shops, walked to Aquatic Park, and boarded a cable car. With an un-crowded cable car in the early morning hours, I rode to Powell and Market Streets, in downtown San Francisco. “All aboard, please have your tickets ready and passes out,” the conductor would announce, after calling out the cross street name at each stop. I enjoyed riding up and down the steep hills with many great sights: Lombard Street, to many, the most crooked, and the Fairmont Hotel, where the exterior was used for the television series, Hotel, and, a magnificent view of the bay. Arriving downtown, I walked along Market Street and boarded a Muni Train for a familiar area. There, I stopped at one of my favorite places, from the seventies, relaxed, and enjoyed a cup of coffee.
Around 5pm, I met George Rodriguez, whom I’d met in Yosemite, for happy hour, and dinner. George suggested that we have dinner at a nice restaurant. We had a superb dinner at a quiet restaurant along the Berkeley Marina.
The next morning, after four enjoyable days in San Francisco, I boarded the bus and rested on the trip to Merced. Arriving in the early afternoon, I enjoyed lunch again at my favorite Italian restaurant, and boarded the bus for Yosemite. Arriving back in the park, I walked to our cabin, unpacked, showered, and went to sleep. The following morning, I returned to work. With many fond memories of San Francisco, it was great to be back in Yosemite.
We had lots of snow in January with warmer weather in February. In early February, high winds swept through Yosemite and a number of trees were blown down. All of the guest cabins and employee housing units were evacuated until the following morning, when the winds settled down. I spent the evening in the Lodge Cafeteria with many of the people I worked with. The National Park Service closed these areas off to the public, and cut down any trees that were classified as being unsafe. A thorough inspection was completed before these areas were reopened.
Lodging facilities are offered in many areas of Yosemite, with most of the accommodations in the Yosemite Valley area, where a majority of the parks activity takes place. Located in Yosemite Valley are: the Ahwahnee Hotel, with one hundred twenty three rooms, Yosemite Lodge, with two hundred forty five rooms, Curry Village with three hundred ninety three units, and Housekeeping Camp, with two hundred forty five tents. The Wawona Hotel, located at the south end of the park, had one hundred four rooms, constructed in a Cape Cod style. Tuolumne Meadows, located in the eastern part of Yosemite, has sixty nine tents, and White Wolf Lodge, in the same area, has one hundred twenty eight units. There are a number of campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona areas of the park.
A number of dining facilities are located in Yosemite Valley with one food court, one buffet, two restaurants, two pizzerias, one hamburger stand, one taco stand, and one snack stand. The Wawona hotel has a dining room and the Tuolumne Meadows area has a restaurant and coffee shop. There are a number of retail facilities in Yosemite Valley with three food stores, five gift shops, and two stores which specialize in camping, hiking, and climbing goods.
Free shuttle buses operate in Yosemite Valley on a year round basis with buses to, El Capitan and the Wawona Hotel during the summer months. Tour buses operate in Yosemite Valley throughout the year with tours to Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadow during the summer months. A shuttle bus operates in Tuolumne Meadows during the summer months. The Yarts buses operate between Yosemite Valley and Merced with daily connections to Amtrak and Greyhound, throughout the year, and between Yosemite Valley and Mammoth, California during the summer months. The narrated bus tours are an excellent way to relax and enjoy many spectacular views while accumulation knowledge of Yosemite from a tour guide.
The Yosemite Valley Visitor’s Center is an excellent source for information about the park with updated hiking and trail information, free exhibits, a bookstore, and, a theatre with a free movie about Yosemite. A Visitor’s Center is also located in Tuolumne Meadows, open during the summer months. A number of day and evening programs, many free of charge, are offered throughout the year in Yosemite with a larger variety in the summer months when the visitation is greater. Movies, slide presentations, lectures, and plays are all offered. The Yosemite Institute sponsors a program for middle and high school students in California: to stay in Yosemite with their classmates, teachers, and chaperones, with four days of outdoor classes, hiking, snow skiing in the winter months, evening programs, and enjoying the many spectacular things about the park.
With warm and sunny days in Yosemite, I was searching for a new position, related to my background: Marketing: Sales and Public Relations. On my birthday, March 15, 1988, I was awarded a Front Desk Clerk/Cashier Position at Yosemite Lodge. This seemed like a wonderful birthday present but I didn’t realize that I’d remain in this position for many years.
With a number of new associates working at the front desk, we worked together with excellent backing from the Front Desk Manager, improved each week, and enjoyed our free time: For my breaks, I’d walk to the lodge gift shop, purchase an ice cream bar, and relax near the pool. Spending my summer weekends at Curry Village, I enjoyed swimming in their pool, ice cream at the hamburger stand, relaxing in the reading room, walking to Happy Isles, and, dinner at the Curry Village Cafeteria, with southern fried chicken, every fourth night. A ten minute walk from Curry Village, Happy Isles is located at the bottom of Vernal Falls with two islands, water on both sides, and many areas to sit, relax, and enjoy the coolness of water rushing down the Merced River. There’s also a nature center and snack stand at Happy Isles with great food: hot dogs, chips, ice cream, and soft drinks. With a need to hike and relax, during my time away from work, I felt like I was in much better physical shape than when I arrived.
In July, we had beautiful weather for the Independence Day Weekend. I had a nice meeting, with a sincere handshake from Ed Hardy, the President and C.E.O. of our concessionaire, the Yosemite Park and Curry Company. One week later, I had a wonderful surprise, with the arrival of the Lund’s and Galli’s, who I’d met in June, 1987, when they checked in at Yosemite Lodge, for their annual summer visit. “You’re up here now,” Carolyn Lund reacted when she noticed my presence. I had a nice visit with the Lund’s and Galli’s at their cabins one evening, with a beautiful starry sky over Yosemite.
In late July, I took a one week vacation, my first since coming to Yosemite. Heading to San Francisco, on with three hundred dollars in travelers checks and my Mastercard, I took the VIA Bus from Yosemite to Merced, then transferred to Greyhound. Along the way, the bus engine kept going out, with a number of stops to restart the motor. With the air conditioning out of order, the ceiling vents were opened as we struggled for cool air. As we arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area, traveling through the Central Valley of California, the air temperature became cooler, like outdoor air conditioning. Arriving in San Francisco, I walked along Market Street, to Van Ness Avenue, and boarded a Muni bus, for the Fort Mason area, near Fisherman’s Wharf. When we arrived near Fort Mason, I got off, walked the San Francisco International Hostel, at Fort Mason, and checked in, for a one night stay. Uncertain about transportation to San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday morning, where I would pick up a rental car, they informed me that Supershuttle would take me there, from the hostel, and kindly booked a reservation. For dinner, I walked down the hill, to Fisherman’s Wharf, and headed for my favorite pizzeria. There, I enjoyed a thick crust, medium size, cheese and sausage pizza, garlic cheese bread, and a cold beverage. On a cool San Francisco evening, I slept very well.
The next morning, I met the Supershuttle van in front of the hostel, boarded, and rode to San Francisco International Airport. There, I boarded the car rental shuttle, arrived at the rental office, and registered for a seven day rental of a mid size car. Driving south along highway 101, I headed for Santa Monica, stopped for lunch along the way, enjoyed a casual ride along the freeway, and stopped in Santa Barbara for a snack. My favorite part of this trip is along the California coast line, just north of Malibu, with a perfect view of the ocean, so relaxing that it can literally put one to sleep. Arriving in Santa Monica, I headed for the Sea Shore Motel, just two blocks from the Ocean, checked in, and called Bob Brichacek, at my former residence, about getting together. A close friend from Chicago, Bob and I met when I was visiting Santa Monica, in the spring of 1980. We became good friends and would get together on weekends after he moved back to Chicago from Santa Monica. When he retired in 1983, Bob moved back to the Santa Monica area, where we shared an apartment together with his Aunt, Claire. Then in her eighties, Claire was a wonderful and open minded individual. I drove to the apartment and had a nice visit with Bob and Claire. When I told them about how much I enjoyed living and working in Yosemite, Claire responded, “That’s great Phil, so you like it up there?” Bob and I enjoyed a nice dinner and went for a walk through Santa Monica, a favorite when we shared the apartment. It was great to be back on the west side of LA with U.C.L.A, the ocean, upbeat energy, and many great places to enjoy. Around midnight, I dropped Bob off at the apartment, drove back to the motel, showered, and went to sleep.
On my first morning back in Santa Monica, I slept until around 11am, showered, called Bob, agreed to pick him up around 1pm, and headed for lunch at McDonald’s. As I was getting back into my car, I felt a burst of positive energy from being in this upbeat and casual area, with many young people. I met Bob just before 1pm and we drove to a place he’d suggested, a health and fitness club, located approximately six blocks from the apartment. He took me along as his guest so there was no admission charge and we enjoyed the heated Jacuzzi and pool where I swam approximately forty laps. Feeling relaxed and unstressed, I drove Bob back to the apartment and agreed to pick him up at 8pm that evening. Returning to the motel, I went for a casual walk along Main Street, Santa Monica Beach, the Venice Boardwalk, and relaxed. Around 6:30pm, I left the motel, stopped for dinner, and arrived at Bob and Claire’s, just before 8pm, I had another nice visit with Claire before Bob and I headed out for the evening. We went for a nice drive through Santa Monica and stopped at a local dinner theatre for an evening of live entertainment. An enjoyable and relaxing evening, I felt like I was really on vacation.
The next morning, I woke up around 10am, showered, dressed, and went for another walk along the beach. I had lunch at a hot dog stand and enjoyed the openness of being outdoors with fresh air and view of the ocean. In the evening, I enjoyed dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and picked up Bob, for another night, at a local dinner theatre. It was another great evening of music and relaxation in a quiet part of Santa Monica. Around 11pm, I dropped Bob off at his apartment and we agreed to meet at the dinner theatre the following next evening, around 8:30pm.
On my final day in Santa Monica, I woke up around 9am, showered, I put on my swim suit, and headed to the beach for a day of sun, walking along the coast, relaxed along Santa Monica Beach, and experienced the enjoyment of being in a stress free environment. In the evening, I went for a walk along the beach and Venice Boardwalk with many artists, street vendors, and interesting individuals. I stopped for dinner, at a favorite establishment, and, around 8pm I drove to the dinner theatre where I met Bob and a good friend that he’d introduced to me when we were sharing our place in West LA, Wally Pegram. A Physics Librarian at UCLA, Wally always had great humor and focused on the positive side of life and the philosophy of being forever young, a very important part of his lifestyle. This was certainly a wonderful surprise as we caught one another up on our lives and current news in Santa Monica and West LA. This was a very happy ending to four great nights in Santa Monica. Around 11pm, I dropped Bob off at the apartment, thanked him for a great week, and his wonderful hospitality.
On Saturday morning, I woke up early, reviewed my vacation budget, checked out of Sea Shore Motel, and headed for Redwood City, California, to visit Jack Adam and Bill Burke, long time friends from Illinois. Arriving in the early afternoon, we went for a swim in their outdoor pool, enjoyed an excellent dinner, and took a tour of Stanford University. Jack and Bill drove me high up in the hills above Stanford with a perfect view of the campus. A beautiful campus, we walked through the main area, and, the quadrangle, which is constructed with red bricks. I spent two afternoons in Berkeley with walks along Telegraph Avenue and through the University of California Campus. With stomach pains, I stopped at a drug store, along Telegraph Avenue, where the pharmacist recommended Pepto-Bismol, a true savior. When I returned to Jack and Bill’s, my stomach was bothering me so I rested for a while. When Jack announced that dinner was ready, I walked to the table and explained my situation and Jack responded, “We haven’t been giving you enough food.” On the final night of my visit, Jack and Bill drove me to a marsh area along the Redwood City harbor, where many people take hikes, walk their dogs, and, enjoy the cool outdoor air. Jack explained that this was where Redwood City actually got its name and San Francisco its lumber. Tree’s were cut down, put on barges, transported along the harbor to the city, milled, and used to construct many buildings and homes in San Francisco. Finally, they drove me to a shopping club, explained the concept of becoming a member with discount privileges for nearly any type of product, took me on a tour, and offered to ship anything I might want to purchase. Returning to Jack and Bill’s, I thanked them for a great time, their wonderful hospitality, and invited them to visit Yosemite, a perfect ending to a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
In late July, I returned to Yosemite and finished a challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding summer. It was nice to be out of traffic, and back in Yosemite Valley, with clean and cool air. With brisk autumn weather, the Hoffmeisters, friends of Mom and Dad, stayed at Yosemite Lodge for two nights. Thanks to the help of the Front Desk Manager, I was able to set them up for a reservation in an upstairs room facing the cliffs, trees, and meadow. They treated me to lunch at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, where we had a very nice visit and excellent meal, and, I felt right at home. Bob Brichacek came to work in Yosemite in the fall of 1988. Following a misfortune with a roommate, who kept him awake all night, he decided to return to West LA, to be with Claire, now in her late eighties. A few days after his departure, I called Bob and he was out running errands. I spoke with Claire who responded, “Bob told me this morning that, even though he’s home, his thoughts are still in Yosemite.” With heavy autumn rain and an early snowfall, Badger Pass was open for skiing on Thanksgiving Day. In Yosemite Valley, there was a high level of holiday spirit on Thanksgiving Weekend with ice skating, cross country skiing, and hiking. Every afternoon before work, I would hike in the meadow, sit on a fallen tree, meditate, and become mentally centered for the day, as people hiked, climbed the cliffs, picnicked, visited, and, enjoyed their free time in Yosemite.
After the Thanksgiving Holidays, I took another one week vacation to San Francisco, and, Orlando, Florida for a visit with my folks, at their winter home. Spending my first night in San Francisco, I stayed again at the Fort Mason Hostel, enjoyed dinner again at my favorite pizzeria, along Fisherman’s Wharf, and watched Monday Night Football at Ginzby’s Pub, just a few blocks away. There I enjoyed a cold beverage, free popcorn, and had a nice visit with the owner. Waking up early the next morning, I met a Super Shuttle van, rode to San Francisco International Airport, checked in with American Airlines, and boarded my flight, for Orlando, Florida. Flying over Yosemite National Park, it looked as if the entire area was covered with snow. Arriving in Orlando, I met Mom and Dad at the airport, picked up my luggage, and they drove me to their winter home, in Zellwood, Florida, just south of Orlando. Located in a peaceful setting and gated community, they had a beautiful home, located on a large lot, with a pool, tennis courts, and recreational center. We had lots of time to visit and spent many hours sightseeing with day trips to the Grand Floridian Hotel, located on a lake, with a mono rail connection to Disneyworld, and Epcot Center. We visited Sea World, with Shamu, the killer whale, and Disney World, where they were celebrating the 60th birthday of Mickey Mouse, with a mid afternoon parade. This was certainly an enjoyable and rewarding four days in the Florida sun, relaxing with Mom and Dad, with daytime temperatures in the seventies.
On Sunday morning, Mom and Dad drove me to the Orlando International Airport where I thanked them for their wonderful hospitality, said goodbye, and checked in for my flight. I learned from Mom that the suitcase I was using, was used by my Grandparents, and had been in our family for many years. I boarded my flight to San Francisco, arriving just after noon, picked up my luggage, and met Bob Lone, a friend who I’d met in San Francisco, who drove me to my destination, the Fort Mason Hostel. Checking in for a two night stay, Bob drove me to my favorite area of the city, where I had lunch, at Hot N Chunky: a delicious half pound hamburger, with mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, onion rings, and a coke. After lunch, I walked along Market Street and relaxed for a wonderful afternoon, at several of my favorite spots. In the early evening, I headed back to the Hostel with a ride on the Cable Car, showered, and went to sleep.
Returning to Yosemite, on the second night, mono winds passed through the Valley. Evacuated from my cabin, I was faced with the uncertainty of knowing when I could return to my residence. I slept in the Cliff Room, with the winds dying by early morning, when I returned to my quarters. There, I reviewed my vacation budget and cost, headed for the post office, and mailed my Christmas gifts.
With lighter crowds and the winter ski season in full swing, I felt very fortunate to have the luxury of being able to spend lots of time with each guest, and cultivate many great friendships, some that would last for many years.
In mid December, Ed Hardy stopped by the lodge front desk to check on some V.I.P. reservations that he’d set up. With a high wind evacuation earlier that day, I had another nice visit with Mr. Hardy who shook our hands and thanked us for our professional assistance. He wished us all a Merry Christmas and made everyone feel well appreciated. I’m very appreciative that Mr. Hardy, a fine individual, natural leader, and excellent speaker, was willing to give many of us the opportunity of a lifetime, back in 1987, and, full time employment, which was nearly non existent, with the country in a recession: to live and work in Yosemite National Park, and, help many people, on an everyday basis.
Celebrating the Christmas Holiday Season, with lots of snow in Yosemite Valley, I was able to cultivate many new friendships with guests at the lodge front desk. With a heavy snowfall, I was able to assist a number of guests, carrying luggage to their rooms. On Christmas Eve, I had the pleasure of assisting Marciano Martinez and his family with their luggage in a snow blizzard. “Maybe we can be partners,” he suggested, as we rode in an open air luggage cart to his vehicle where we loaded the luggage and transported it to their cabin. This was the beginning of a friendship which has lasted for many years. Feeling like I was in a winter wonderland, I certainly enjoyed the 1988 Christmas Holiday Season, with many challenges and new friends.
With breakfast at the Yosemite Lodge Cafeteria, my winter weekends were spent hiking through the snow covered meadows with stops at Curry Village and Happy Isles. Literally fascinated by the beautiful scenery, and cross country skiers, I was enjoying my interaction with many fine guests, and beginning to feel at home with many new friendships, and, a position that I thoroughly enjoy. I was beginning to think about settling into my current position, where I could help people, on an everyday basis, for as long as possible.
Places to Stay, Visit, & Dine
Yosemite-camping reservations
Web address: http://www.recreation.gov
Phone 877-444-6777
Yosemite –lodging reservations
Web address: http://www.yosemitepark.com
Phone 801-559-5000
The San Francisco International Hostel-Fisherman’s Wharf
Web address: http://sfhostels.com
Fort Mason, Building 240
San Francisco, CA, 94123
Phone 415-771-7277
A ten minute walk, up the hill, from Fisherman’s Wharf, with a kitchen, dining area, café, and within 100 yards,a 24 hour Safeway market
The Sea Shore Motel
Web address: http://www.seashoremotel.com
2637 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA, 90405
Phone 310-392-2787
An excellent location: within two blocks & a ten minute walk from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Beach, and the Venice Boardwalk, with lots of eateries and bus service to UCLA
The UCLA Student Union-Terrace Food Court
Web address: http://www.asucla.ucla.edu
On the UCLA Campus In the Ackerman Union-Level A, 100 yards from the Santa Monica Blue Bus stop. Offers many American, Italian, and Mexican choices Open Monday-Thursday, from 7am-9pm, Friday, from 7am to 5pm, & Saturday, from11am-5pm. Directions: From Main Street, in Santa Monica or Venice, take the Santa Monica Blue Bus to UCLA, and, walk to the Ackerman Union and Terrace Food Court.
Lula Cocina Mexicana
Web address: http://www.mexicanfoodinlosangeles.com
2720 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA, 90405
Phone 310-392-5711
Great Mexican dining with inexpensive meals, located one block from the Sea Shore Motel
Norms Restaurant
Web address: http://www.normsrestaurants.com
1601 Lincoln Blvd, at Colorado Street
Santa Monica, CA, 90405
Phone 310-450-6889
Open 24 hours. Prices range from $3.99 to $12.29 with a diverse and interesting mix of characters.
La’Vals
Web address: http://www.lavals.com
1834 Euclid Avenue
Berkeley, CA, 94709
Just north of the UC/Berkeley campus
Phone 510-540-9333
Good pizza, salads, & inexpensive
Chapter 3: Centered and into my comfort zone
With lots of snow and winter activities in Yosemite, I enjoyed working with the ski crowd. On holiday weekends, many of the winter guests will arrive on Friday evening, check in throughout the night, ski on Saturday and Sunday, and depart on Monday. On Sunday evening, I would be fairly tired but well satisfied from helping so many people during the week. With weekend hikes to Curry Village and Happy Isles, and Yosemite Valley before work, I felt the power of nature, with the clean mountain air, walking through the deep snow, spectacular winter colors, and many grand views, from looking up.
On Martin Luther King Weekend, I had a pleasant surprise. The Gallis and Lunds arrived in Yosemite on Friday evening. It had been a very busy night when they stopped by the Lodge Front Desk to say hello, where we had a nice visit, creating a breath of fresh air. We’d met during my first month in Yosemite, June, 1987, and, had another enjoyable visit during their annual vacation in the summer of 1988. This was the beginning of a wonderful opportunity to help the Gallis, Lunds, and many other guests of Yosemite, cultivating many great friendships, which have lasted for a number of many years. Feeling content in my position, I decided that I should pay off my debts, build an investment and retirement program, and, remain in Yosemite, for as long as possible.
One week later, on a quiet Saturday evening, a couple stopped by the Lodge Front Desk looking for a place to stay. They introduced themselves as Bill and Mary Smith. A very friendly couple from La Jolla, California, north of San Diego, I was able to find them a cabin at Curry Village and they were very appreciative. “You’re a godsend,” Bill responded, when I informed him and Mary that I’d found them a cabin, at Curry Village. This was also the beginning of a great friendship which has lasted for many years.
1989 was a year that I settled into my position at the Lodge Front Desk and began to cultivate many long term friendships and earn credibility. With the winter ski crowd, the chemistry was very good with a group of people that wanted to ski, party, relax, and have a great time. With enough visitors to keep the park busy, I was able to spend more time with each guest, and, cultivate a number of new friendships. Every day seemed like a journey with new challenges. When I returned to my cabin after work, in the early morning hours, I would sit in an old plastic chair, and wooden reading desk, in our cabin, read, and, around 4am, go to sleep.
Winter in Yosemite Valley
My early afternoon hikes in the winter months, when many had gone skiing at Badger Pass for the day, were spectacular, with few people in Yosemite Valley. With snow on the valley floor and the higher elevations, looking up would give me a new and clear perspective for the day, a feeling of being well centered. In mid March, when the spring weather arrived, I expanded my weekend hikes to Mirror Lake and the Backpackers Campground, with lots of quiet areas to relax and enjoy the beauty of Yosemite. This was the first year, since I arrived in Yosemite, that I’d noticed the many waterfalls when the snow and ice were melting in the higher elevations.
In April, 1989, I was working at the Lodge Front Desk one Saturday evening when Donna Conant, a good friend, stopped by. Donna and I met at the Curry Village Pool in the summer of 1987. We had a nice visit and agreed to meet at my cabin after work, if she was still awake. A High School English Teacher, Donna worked in Yosemite during the summers of 1987 and 1988. She’s always been a great inspiration in me helping magnify my goals, providing excellent examples of people with similar goals who had mastered success. Donna would make frequent visits to Yosemite on her three day weekends from school. I feel blessed by our friendship and Donna’s sincere thoughtfulness.
With beautiful spring weather, and heavy waterfalls in Yosemite, I was able to spend my weekends hiking to Curry Village, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, and the Backpackers Campground. In the early evening, I’d conclude my hiking and have dinner at the Curry Village Cafeteria, read in the Curry Village reading lounge, and take the shuttle bus back to Yosemite Lodge.
Before I travel to an area, I’ll do some research on the public transportation, prices, accommodations, places to visit, and culture. If the area fits into my travel budget, desires, and inspires my interest, I’ll do more in depth research and, if necessary, contact their Chamber of Commerce online, for additional information. Once I’ve completed my research, and I decide to visit the area, I’ll make reservations for transportation, overnight accommodations, bus tours, walking tours, etc. I’ll travel by bus from Yosemite to Merced, train and from Merced to San Francisco or Berkeley, and by air, from Oakland or San Francisco, to other travel destinations. I’ll request a confirmation for each reservation and file in an envelope. Two weeks before I begin my trip, I’ll call to reconfirm all of my reservations, to insure that any errors have been corrected before they become mistakes. I’ll also send an itinerary to my immediate family, listing the names, addresses, and phone numbers for each accommodation, and, dates I’ll be staying. Finally, I’ll prepare a travel budget, daily itinerary, and pack list for my trip. I’ll try to take the clothes, books, camera, walkman, and other items that I’ll definitely need. With a seven day supply of clothes, I’ll do laundry once a week. With research, budgeting, detailed planning, and calling ahead to insure that everything is in order, I’m able to eliminate many unpleasant surprises, maximize my time, and, accomplish much more, on a minimum budget. In my travel budget, I’ll complete a list for each item with a total as an estimate for the trip. This enables one to enjoy their vacation and not be haunted with excessive travel debt. When I arrive at my destination, I’ll visit the local visitor’s center, if one exists, for additional information.