YOSEMITE — What’s the latest from Yosemite on snow accumulation and precipitation as the season ends? Tuolumne Winter Rangers Laura and Rob Pilewski say the water in Tuolumne Meadows was the most ever recorded, and there’s still as much as 100-inches of snow on the ground in some places. Here’s their last blog post of the winter. New snow: 3 ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — As if you need another reason to plan a great getaway, here’s a reminder that studies show vacations are a healthy choice, and even the anticipation of a trip in its planning stages can give your life a boost. Ah, but the planning stage can be stressful, unless you’re working with professionals who can guide you through ...

By Bree Lewis — Before recently, I had never been out of the country, not even to Mexico, or even on a plane for that matter. So, when I received an email saying “Volunteer in Thailand this Winter Break for Only 500 Dollars,” it was like winning a fake free cruise on one of those pop-up links: you never actually ...

It was time for our Family reunion up in Corvallis, Oregon so Mom and I added an extra day to go over to the Central Oregon Coast where we hoped it would be cool. It was! It took us about an hour to drive west from Corvallis on Hwy 20 to Newport, then we headed north about 3 miles, following ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend and visitors are urged to arrive at the park very early to avoid potential traffic congestion and difficulties with parking. Visitors should plan to arrive at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...

By Kelly Silva Fine Nicaragua, Part One: From Sadness to Surfing Last year I decided, with the help of my hubby, to finally do a surfing trip, since I was turning forty-five. I convinced my childhood BFF, Kari, to join me, so we traveled to Nicaragua for a week during the end of May for surfing, yoga and other activities ...

Cold, grey, foggy, grim, yes, but thanks to volunteer gardeners, Alcatraz Island is awash in color. Pat and I braved the Highway 101 traffic and toured the island. If you like flowers, this is the time to go. On Wednesday afternoons there are docents in the Officers’ Row gardens who are happy to talk to you.

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park anticipates an extremely busy Memorial Day weekend. Its been a very busy year so far and the park expects high visitation, especially from Friday afternoon until Sunday. Visitors are strongly urged to avoid arriving during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arriving early, or late in the afternoon are the best ways ...

YOSEMITE – With rain and snow predicted this evening through tomorrow, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park will temporarily close at 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, May 13. This is due to a significant storm predicted for the area that will potentially produce several inches of new snow at higher elevations. Both roads will remain temporarily closed ...

MADERA COUNTY – The new bus service from Fresno to Yosemite will start on Saturday, May 23, with runs starting as early as 4 a.m. from the Fresno Airport, and 6 a.m. from the Best Western in Oakhurst to Fresno. There will be six buses a day, seven days a week, except weekends and holidays when the early and late ...