Day 31 - Mariposa, CA

This morning we met at the Miner’s Inn Restaurant for breakfast at 8:30 a.m.  It was a breakfast fit for a King (or Queen).  

Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, buttermilk pancakes, coffee, and orange juice.  The portions were such that the four of us at our table could have shared one meal and had plenty to eat. 

The restaurant had miniature railroad models and city scape around the perimeter of the room. 

The rest of the day was free.  

Many of us went into Yosemite even though, as a National Park, it is currently closed due to the Government shut down.  The main roads going through the park are public roads, so they had to leave them open for through traffic.  According to the Park Rangers on duty, we could drive through the park, but could not stop anywhere. 

On October 1, 1890, the U.S. Congress established what would become known as Yosemite National Park.  John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt met here in 1903 and, around a campfire, discussed preservation of areas such as this. It was an inspiration to both of them.  And we can see why..............................

Well, we saw many lawless citizens along the way.  How could you resist the temptation to stop and take a photograph when confronted with the spectacular vistas here in Yosemite? 

We did see some of the devastation from the recent Rim fire here in September.  This photo only shows a few trees.  There were over 225,000 acres involved before it was contained.

After cruising through Yosemite, there were several brave souls in our group that went on to Yosemite Zip Line and Adventure Ranch. Spence and I were not among them.  It was reported back to us that they had a thrilling time.  

Were they having fun?

It was a beautiful day to be in the outdoors today. 

Submitted by:  Madi and Spence Schaaf #2