Yosemite: Tips and Reminders
ehughes
Registered Users Posts: 1,675 Major grins
Basics
Yosemite is a wilderness area, it is not Disneyland, the animals will bite, kick or worse if they feel threatened or if you startle them. Not everything has been safety checked, there is nobody walking behind you to clean up your mess. Please use common sense when working your way around the park.
Altitude
We will be between 3,000-5,000 feet, there is always the chance that you will tire a little quicker than usual, the air is a bit thinner and can make breathing a little more difficult.
Gas
Gas gets increasingly more expensive the closer you get to the park. At Wawona the prices will be well over $3.00 a gallon probably closer to $4.00.
There is NO GAS sold in the valley.
Cell Phone Coverage
There is little to no coverage in the valley.
Personal Items - Things to bring with you.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Jacket for early morning / late night
People can get by with sneakers, but sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots will give you good service
I would highly recommend putting granola bars ,beef jerky or some kind of light snack in your backpack / camera bag.
If you have a water bottle that will attach to your backpack or belt, bring it.
There is no pharmacy in the valley, so, if you require medications be sure to bring them with you, there is one in Oakhurst about 30 miles outside the park.
You might want to bring some freezer size zip lock bags to put your camera in if you are shooting near the falls , the mist can be a real pain..
A small flashlight in your backpack could come in handy.
Wildlife.....
DO NOT FEED ANY ANIMAL IN YOSEMITE
There are three main reasons for this.
1. It is a federal offence
2.Your personal Safety
3.Safety of the animal, when they become too used to people, wild animals can become agressive toward humans and this can cost them their lives.
Deer
The deer in the valley are accustomed to people, but never forget they are wild animals.
From the Yosemite Daily report of 10/20/03
"Memorandum To: All Employees, Yosemite National Park
From: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Subject: Visitors and Deer Hazards
The opportunity to observe wildlife at close range is a vacation highlight for many visitors to Yosemite. Unfortunately, some visitors carry this experience too far by getting dangerously close to the wildlife, which places both them and the animals at risk. This is especially true with the mule deer that frequent developed areas in Yosemite Valley. Visitors need to be made aware that even though the deer may appear " tame," they are wild animals that can inflict serious injuries. The only wildlife-related fatality in Yosemite's history occurred when a young boy was gored while feeding a mule deer buck.
The risk of similar incidents is especially high in the fall, because this is rutting season, when bucks become more aggressive as they compete for females. However, the danger also exists with does, which are also capable of injuring people with their hooves. The number of deer in developed areas also tends to increase in the fall, as they seek fallen acorns. This further increases the chance of human-deer conflicts. I'm sending you this message because we have had frequent deer sightings near the Park Administration building and in the Mall area. Visitors have also been approaching these animals too closely. If you notice visitors doing this, please stop and take a moment to courteously explain the dangers involved.
Mountain Lions You will be very lucky if you see one, sightings are rare. They are more active at twilight and dawn. Experts advise: (1) Don't run; it triggers chase and attack behavior. This may be one reason lone trail runners have been attacked. (2) Hiking alone is a risk factor. (3) Look big, open your arms, spread out your jacket, make noise, etc. (4) Slowly back away, don't turn your back. (5) They are especially fond of young children. Pick up your child if you see a mountain lion (squat down, don't bend over, and face the lion). Don't let kids run ahead out of your sight. (6) If attacked, fight back fiercely. They're only as big as a German Shepherd. Protect the back of the neck. (7) Report the incident. This is all highly unlikely, mountain lions avoid people and are very seldom even seen from a distance. Still, it never hurts to know what to do, and they do live in the parks where we hike... and even the suburbs we build in their habitat. You are far more likely to see a bobcat or coyote, which are normally harmless to humans.
Black Bears These wild residents of the high Sierra and north woods require some precautions when you go to their habitat. They want an easy meal: your food, and at 400-600 pounds they are strong enough to tear up your car, pack, or tent to get at it. Black bears seldom attack humans, though it's not unknown. Report any aggressive bear incidents promptly to a ranger. The precautions in black bear territory are: (1) Don't leave food, or anything that looks or smells like food, in your car, including items in the trunk. They can open it like a soup can. Black bears have a nose 100 times keener than a dog's. They will also go after aromatic items such as toothpaste, cosmetics, Ben-Gay, chewing gum (even wrappers), or empty ice chests that they can see in you car. In Yosemite, rangers will issue you a $500 citation if you leave food in your car and bears break into it.
Remember don’t try to outrun the bears, just outrun Andy…
Ed
Yosemite is a wilderness area, it is not Disneyland, the animals will bite, kick or worse if they feel threatened or if you startle them. Not everything has been safety checked, there is nobody walking behind you to clean up your mess. Please use common sense when working your way around the park.
Altitude
We will be between 3,000-5,000 feet, there is always the chance that you will tire a little quicker than usual, the air is a bit thinner and can make breathing a little more difficult.
Gas
Gas gets increasingly more expensive the closer you get to the park. At Wawona the prices will be well over $3.00 a gallon probably closer to $4.00.
There is NO GAS sold in the valley.
Cell Phone Coverage
There is little to no coverage in the valley.
Personal Items - Things to bring with you.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Jacket for early morning / late night
People can get by with sneakers, but sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots will give you good service
I would highly recommend putting granola bars ,beef jerky or some kind of light snack in your backpack / camera bag.
If you have a water bottle that will attach to your backpack or belt, bring it.
There is no pharmacy in the valley, so, if you require medications be sure to bring them with you, there is one in Oakhurst about 30 miles outside the park.
You might want to bring some freezer size zip lock bags to put your camera in if you are shooting near the falls , the mist can be a real pain..
A small flashlight in your backpack could come in handy.
Wildlife.....
DO NOT FEED ANY ANIMAL IN YOSEMITE
There are three main reasons for this.
1. It is a federal offence
2.Your personal Safety
3.Safety of the animal, when they become too used to people, wild animals can become agressive toward humans and this can cost them their lives.
Deer
The deer in the valley are accustomed to people, but never forget they are wild animals.
From the Yosemite Daily report of 10/20/03
"Memorandum To: All Employees, Yosemite National Park
From: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Subject: Visitors and Deer Hazards
The opportunity to observe wildlife at close range is a vacation highlight for many visitors to Yosemite. Unfortunately, some visitors carry this experience too far by getting dangerously close to the wildlife, which places both them and the animals at risk. This is especially true with the mule deer that frequent developed areas in Yosemite Valley. Visitors need to be made aware that even though the deer may appear " tame," they are wild animals that can inflict serious injuries. The only wildlife-related fatality in Yosemite's history occurred when a young boy was gored while feeding a mule deer buck.
The risk of similar incidents is especially high in the fall, because this is rutting season, when bucks become more aggressive as they compete for females. However, the danger also exists with does, which are also capable of injuring people with their hooves. The number of deer in developed areas also tends to increase in the fall, as they seek fallen acorns. This further increases the chance of human-deer conflicts. I'm sending you this message because we have had frequent deer sightings near the Park Administration building and in the Mall area. Visitors have also been approaching these animals too closely. If you notice visitors doing this, please stop and take a moment to courteously explain the dangers involved.
Mountain Lions You will be very lucky if you see one, sightings are rare. They are more active at twilight and dawn. Experts advise: (1) Don't run; it triggers chase and attack behavior. This may be one reason lone trail runners have been attacked. (2) Hiking alone is a risk factor. (3) Look big, open your arms, spread out your jacket, make noise, etc. (4) Slowly back away, don't turn your back. (5) They are especially fond of young children. Pick up your child if you see a mountain lion (squat down, don't bend over, and face the lion). Don't let kids run ahead out of your sight. (6) If attacked, fight back fiercely. They're only as big as a German Shepherd. Protect the back of the neck. (7) Report the incident. This is all highly unlikely, mountain lions avoid people and are very seldom even seen from a distance. Still, it never hurts to know what to do, and they do live in the parks where we hike... and even the suburbs we build in their habitat. You are far more likely to see a bobcat or coyote, which are normally harmless to humans.
Black Bears These wild residents of the high Sierra and north woods require some precautions when you go to their habitat. They want an easy meal: your food, and at 400-600 pounds they are strong enough to tear up your car, pack, or tent to get at it. Black bears seldom attack humans, though it's not unknown. Report any aggressive bear incidents promptly to a ranger. The precautions in black bear territory are: (1) Don't leave food, or anything that looks or smells like food, in your car, including items in the trunk. They can open it like a soup can. Black bears have a nose 100 times keener than a dog's. They will also go after aromatic items such as toothpaste, cosmetics, Ben-Gay, chewing gum (even wrappers), or empty ice chests that they can see in you car. In Yosemite, rangers will issue you a $500 citation if you leave food in your car and bears break into it.
Remember don’t try to outrun the bears, just outrun Andy…
Ed
0
Comments
... unless i'm chasing the ribs truck!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks ed, these are some great tips.
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Thank you very much!
I would add a two-way radio to the list of equipment to bring if you happen to have one. With the group as large as ours it may be convenient to have at least a few handy to coordinate between the teams.
I'm bringing my set of two just in case.
Cheers!
www.edhughesphoto.com
I haven't got one...
Michiel de Brieder
http://www.digital-eye.nl
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outside the park).
This means you might encounter snow at the higher elevations. If you are renting
a car, you should ask them to give you chains (even if you're renting a 4x4).
You might also think about bringing some type of rain gear for the camera.
Ian
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
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I just looked here...34 f :jawdrop is a low for today...thats 1 C !!
Anyone know what type of grease Charlie Bronson used when he covered himself in it & then cling wrap ? Im going to try to buy some today.
Don't forget your Official Digital Grin Yosemite Shoot Out credentials.
kewl - where's mine
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I like the idea of credentials. Andy, what ya think?
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Here's a thought. Everyone gets those credentials printed up. If a park ranger asks you what you're doing with all the equipment, etc. the card could save the day. The Dgrin.com website should appear on all the cards.
Now, if a black bear decided that any of you looked like lunch, you could also show the bear your credentials card to prove you're there on official DGrin business.
But here's the real invention: The card would be constructed of vegemite. That way, if the bear can't read, you just could toss the card at him/her, and while it is eating the card, you could snap a quick photo or two, and then run away real fast. If the vegemite was extra chewy, it might buy even more time.
The only risk with this idea is if Andy gets real hungry and mugs the others in the group to eat their cards. Entirely possible, from the stories I've read thus far.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky