"Going to the mountains is going home." -- John Muir

The first stagecoach went through the Dead Giant Tunnel Tree in 1878.

A week at Yosemite and today, Tuesday, is our last day.  Despite some pretty smokey days we have really enjoyed our time here.  I might just have to say that this is my favorite National Park!  Lots more we can come back to see.

We were stopped by the utility work when Pat captured a helicopter making a delivery.  Earlier we saw a utility worker suspended from a helicopter working on the lines.  Hope he is paid well!

From the top of the ridge yesterday we could barely see these two barns down in Big Meadow.   The Meyer Barns were built in the 1870's and 1880's  by George Meyer and are examples of "Mormon Pole Barns."  They are nearly structurally the same as when they were built and were renovated by the National Park Service in the 1990's.

Barn 1

It looks like the barn is built around a log cabin base. 

Wooden nail

Barn 2

Looking up at the ridge we saw the Barns from yesterday.

Foresta Fire Department

Foresta (not incorporated) is one of 3 areas of private ownership within the park.  It began before the National Park and was intended as a resort.  Lots of houses and cabins spread out.  A few are rented out in the summer.  You can find views of both Half-Dome and El Capitan.

Forest fire damage near Foresta.  

Below the red arrow is one view of Half-Dome barely visible behind the smoke. 

Yosemite Valley Chapel was built in 1879.  It is an active church but is known for hosting weddings.  The chapel is the only remaining building from Old Yosemite Village which was located in the meadow across the street. 

Site of the Old Yosemite Village.

A sugar maple planted by the early settlers stands out in its autumn glory.  A rare sight.

The Ahwahnee Hotel was beautiful with fantastic views. 

Sign for the Ahwahnee Hotel is under construction.

Although it's less expensive, making it a popular choice, I wasn't impressed with the Yosemite Valley Lodge.  With a modern look it has 245 rooms in 15 different buildings.  Located near Yosemite Falls it was built in 1930 .  It was renovated in 1998 after a flood destroyed half of it in 1997.

Another smokey day.

We went through three tunnels on our way to Tuolumne Grove.

There are 3 Sequoia Groves in Yosemite.  On Monday we took Big Oak Flat road and then Hwy. 120 to the Tuolumne  Grove.  It has about 25 active Sequoias and quite a few fallen ones.

This is not a real tree, but if it were the rings would represent those times in history. 

The Rim fire in 2013 was caused by a hunters illegal fire that got out of control.  It threatened the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.

The 1 mile road going down the steep hill to the Grove trail is closed to vehicles now.   We noticed a sign mostly buried along the side.  

The Dead Giant was already dead in 1878 when they augered out a hole to attract tourists to the toll road.

Ravens are humongous!

A large downed Sequoia that had a little fire damage.

There are woodpeckers in the area but we couldn't tell if these were Woodpecker holes.

A very large and long tree with a big root ball.

Where are the Piepers now?  Indian Flat RV Park, El Portal, CA