And so Yosemite it was.  Things didn’t start out perfectly however as we were summarily dropped from our original flight (first class level miles points down the drain) and then found that the sporty little car we rented had no trunk.  Not a small trunk, no trunk.  We arrived in compromised fashion but savored the spring air and bright sun as we rolled into the valley.  We settled nicely into the Ahwahnee hotel and were lucky enough to have a high floor room with an expansive, half dome facing balcony.  Things started looking up. 

We woke the next morning to gray skies.  It proceeded to rain for the next three days.  Before you go and weep for us, here is a run down of how we extracted chips from such a lousy hand. We hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls and while the views were obscured from the mist, we got to enjoy a water world that is not always there.  Rainwater joined with the big spring runoff giving us surprise tributaries that crossed the hiking trail and extra cascades popping seemingly out of nowhere which gave us something different.  What we didn’t have was a dry place to sit or dry feet.  So, we were tired.  But we did it anyway and are glad we did.  Further, the Ahwahnee bar was waiting for us with an El Capatini. 

The bar scene was a thrill.  We sat for hours trying different concoctions while watching the visitors come and go. We took most of our meals in the main dining room.  And took baths in the nice tub the recently refurbished room offered. Not too shabby, really.  On our departure day the sun shined once again.  We took plenty of morning photos and then off we went. 

 In a way, the trip was a metaphor for our marraige.  Not quite what either of us expected but definitely what we needed.  And, we returned to our lives without a complaint (until I wrote the first paragraph. of course).  Yosemite is simply a great place to make and share memories no matter what the circumstances.   

One thing that can make flying time worthwhile is the chance at acquiring much needed sleep.  Of course, unless you are in First Class, sleeping in a cramped seat that does not seem to recline as far as it used to is an exercise in frustration.  Well, necessity is indeed the mother of invention and so to remedy this situation experimentation began for establishing techniques for getting the rejuvenating sleep we need.

With a few ever-present props and some ingenuity you can get to sleep.  Feel free to borrow these techniques for your own purposes.  Just thank me when you wake up refreshed.  The author accepts no liability for kinks, red marks, humiliation, or sinus problems.

“The Cantilever” 

This approach requires a soft napkin or clean handkerchief.  

This provides support for your noggin without bending too far forward.

“The A Frame” 

Here you must use a water bottle or even a rolled up airline magazine to support the elbow which in turn allows the hand to support the head.  

Be careful as a dream spasm can result in cuts and bruises.

“The Golf Tee”

Again, the bottle support and padding is used.

The position offers another way to support the head without bending too far forward which can encourage cramping and/or incontinence.

“The Fulcrum”

Ok, maybe this one isn’t serious or comfortable but it might clear you an aisle seat on weird factor alone.  

“The Ring of Fire”

So named because of the red ring left on your face, this position is surprisingly comfortable.

Position your cheek squarely on the rim of a clean soda cup and dream on. 

No worries.  The red ring usually fades by the time your bags come out of the chute. 

“The Knockout“

This method is accomplished by removing one shoe and placing the un-shoed foot on the edge of your seat.  Locate your face where an equilibrium can be established. The name comes from the fact that despite deep sleep you will likely dream of going 12 rounds with Clubber Lang.        

Row boats and canoes bob in wait of trips out for a degree of separation and a different perspective. 
Rooms are both in cottages and in the main lodge.  I was lucky to score a second floor room looking out over this scene.  The unit was tight for a family of four but clean and well maintained.  Staff was friendly and the restaurant, also with panoramic lake views, did not let us down with a wide selection of local goodies.  And thank goodness for that as there are few alternative dining options in this somewhat remote location.
My only Lake Quinault regret is that I was not there another night as we could have stood to relax and enjoy the amenities longer before striking out for activities further north.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24658362/

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24295273/ 

Rate National Parks staff is planning a visit to the great US Northwest for next season and is looking for advice.  The major sites such as Mt. Ranier and Olympic NP are obvious choices but if anyone can provide advice on places, eats, or activities that might not be readily obvious it would be helpful.  I have personally been to the area but not for some time now and I’m sure a lot has changed.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

RNP

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_re_us/florida_drought

 Any suggestions from our readers?  What should I expect?  Any particular points of interest?

I most certainly will follow up in a few months with my review.  Swamp lovers beware.

There are many choices of how to see the Grand Canyon. Walking along the rim, helicopter fly over, muleback riding, or hiking to the bottom but in order to see it from the bottom up - my choice was rafting.  
 

We were two rafts 28 people and a crew of seven. We carried everything we needed for an eight day float. ARR (Arizona River Runners) supplied tents, sleeing bags, utensils, life jackets, etc. In the eight days not once did I want for something we didn’t have - AMAZING!! We were now ready to embark on an eight day 240 mile raft trip from Lee’s Ferry to Lake Meade. Interestingly, this was the same trip explorer Wesley Powell did in 1869 in a wooden boat with one arm. I tried to view the adventure as he might have all those years ago. The crew read excerpts from his diaries and that added an extra edge to the adventure.

There is so much natural beauty and things to see in the canyon. We had ample time to explore. We climbed, hiked, explored caves and cooled off under spectacular water falls that appeared out of nowhere - this was all in between hitting the churning rapids.

Each day started at daybreak with someone shouting ‘COFFEE!!’. We would break down our tents, pack our gear, eat a great breakfast, load the rafts, and face down three rapids by 8 o’clock. Mid-morning we always stopped to explore side canyons or other points of interest. The knowledgeable crew knew all the best spots.  You could do as much as you wanted or you could just sit in the sun and relax. And then back in the rafts we went till lunch time..

Mid-afternoon we would explore some more. One of my favorite spots was where the Colorado River and the Little Colorado River come together. There was a sandy beach and we swam the rapids. What a thrill! There was also a watefall and the water was warm. Usually by 4pm we would make camp for the night. Everyone scrambled to find the best spot to pitch their tent, but really there were no bad spots….The natural beauty of the Canyon is awesome.

The crew did all the cooking and the rest of us put on dry clothes had a glass of wine and waited for dinner. The food was incredible. There was something different every night and always plenty to eat… a nice time to make new friends.

By 9 o’clock we were ready to lay our weary bones down. I never knew how dark or how quiet it could be. I refused to sleep in the tent. Canyon nights are like nothing else I’d experienced. So close it felt as if the sky was my blanket and I had to be careful not to bump the stars while rolling over. What a way to end a perfect day.

And then…”COFFEE!!” X 8