WawonaNews.com - December 2012
2012 Wawona Hotel Holiday Schedule
Friday, December 14th
2:30 p.m. Hotel doors open, revealing our traditional holiday décor.
5:00 to 9:30p Wawona’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony complete with singing, stories & drama. Complimentary cookies and apple cider served. Join the Hotel Management Team and Master of Ceremonies, Tom Bopp to welcome in the holiday season
Saturday, December 15th
Tom Bopp performing in the Lobby
White Chocolate Hot Chocolate served.
Sunday, December 16th
5:00 p.m. Christmas Bingo will be played in our Hotel Sunroom. Fun for the whole family.
Cookies & Peppermint Hot Chocolate Served
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Monday, December 17th
4:30pm. Management reception with samples of Hot Mulled Wine.
Make Your OWN mulling spice blend in our sunroom, all materials provided
Cookies & Hot apple cider served
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Tuesday, December 18h
4:00 p.m Ornament Making Activity and Contest. Showcase your Ornament on our Tree Located on the veranda of the Sunroom. Prizes will be awarded.
Cookies and Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Served
Wednesday, December 19th
Musician/Historian Tom Bopp, will present a vintage 1930 movie short to commemorate the Yosemite Winter Club’s 84th Anniversary.
Thursday, December 20th
2:00 p.m. Join our Chef Dwayne McFann for a cooking class in our Petite Dining Room.
Please sign up at the Front Desk by 12 p.m. to participate.
Friday, December 21st
4:30p Winter Solstice story telling and crafts in the Sunroom complete with a warm, inviting fire & Complimentary hot cocoa. At 8:30p Tom Bopp will launch into his special Vintage Yosemite Songs show.
Saturday December 22nd
5:00p Holiday Craft time and story telling in the Sunroom.
Complimentary cookies and hot apple cider served.
Sunday December 23rd
A variety of board and card games available for play, a roaring fire and complimentary
Mexican Hot Chocolate Served
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Monday December 24th
2:00p Santa Claus comes to Wawona finding time in his busy schedule for story
telling and photo opportunities with the kids. Santa Claus will present gifts and read a story by the fireplace.(All Gifts must brought to front desk before noon, one gift per person, securely labeled with first and last name) Complimentary cookies (Santa’s favorite) and hot apple cider for everybody.
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Tuesday, December 25th
Christmas Day
3:00p to 9:00p Traditional Christmas Dinner served in the Hotel Dining Room.
Advanced reservations are required. No lunch service on Christmas Day.
5:30p to 9:30p A Merry Christmas celebration with Tom Bopp leading the carols
Wednesday, December 26th
Tom Bopp Performing in the lobby.
At 8:30p Tom will present his renowned Wawona History Program
Thursday, December 27th
Tom Bopp at the piano leading the house in spirited holiday classics.
4:00p Holiday Craft Time and Storytelling in the Sunroom in front of a warm, inviting fire. Complimentary cookies and hot apple cider served.
Friday, December 28th
Enjoy Tom Bopp’s wonderful travels through the yester year of music.
At 8:30p Tom Bopp presents his Teddy Roosevelt Show. Whether you are a “History Wonk” or not this is a fascinating program presented by a true entertainer.
Saturday, December 29th
5:30p to 9:30p Special Holiday appetizer treats and cocktails available for order in the lobby,
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tom Bopp performing in the Lobby
Sunday, December 30th
5:30p to 9:30p Special Holiday appetizer treats and cocktails available for order in the lobby,
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Monday, December 31st
5:00p to 10:00p The New Year’s Eve Celebration begins with a sparkling Tom Bopp warm up.
10:00 p.m. to Midnight Live music by the Adam’s Burn Band.
5:00p to 10:00p Game Time in the Sunroom A variety of board and card games available for play, a roaring fire and complimentary hot cocoa.
Tuesday, January 1st
10:30a to 2:00 p Wawona New Year’s Brunch served in the Dining Room
4:00p New Year’s Resolution craft and journal project in front of the Sunroom.
Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate served.
Tom Bopp off for the evening
We hope you enjoyed the Holiday’s and will see everyone next spring with the hotel opening on Friday, March 30th at 2:30 p.m.
Christmas & New Year’s Dinner Reservations, please call (801) 559-4935
2:30 p.m. Hotel doors open, revealing our traditional holiday décor.
5:00 to 9:30p Wawona’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony complete with singing, stories & drama. Complimentary cookies and apple cider served. Join the Hotel Management Team and Master of Ceremonies, Tom Bopp to welcome in the holiday season
Saturday, December 15th
Tom Bopp performing in the Lobby
White Chocolate Hot Chocolate served.
Sunday, December 16th
5:00 p.m. Christmas Bingo will be played in our Hotel Sunroom. Fun for the whole family.
Cookies & Peppermint Hot Chocolate Served
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Monday, December 17th
4:30pm. Management reception with samples of Hot Mulled Wine.
Make Your OWN mulling spice blend in our sunroom, all materials provided
Cookies & Hot apple cider served
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Tuesday, December 18h
4:00 p.m Ornament Making Activity and Contest. Showcase your Ornament on our Tree Located on the veranda of the Sunroom. Prizes will be awarded.
Cookies and Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Served
Wednesday, December 19th
Musician/Historian Tom Bopp, will present a vintage 1930 movie short to commemorate the Yosemite Winter Club’s 84th Anniversary.
Thursday, December 20th
2:00 p.m. Join our Chef Dwayne McFann for a cooking class in our Petite Dining Room.
Please sign up at the Front Desk by 12 p.m. to participate.
Friday, December 21st
4:30p Winter Solstice story telling and crafts in the Sunroom complete with a warm, inviting fire & Complimentary hot cocoa. At 8:30p Tom Bopp will launch into his special Vintage Yosemite Songs show.
Saturday December 22nd
5:00p Holiday Craft time and story telling in the Sunroom.
Complimentary cookies and hot apple cider served.
Sunday December 23rd
A variety of board and card games available for play, a roaring fire and complimentary
Mexican Hot Chocolate Served
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Monday December 24th
2:00p Santa Claus comes to Wawona finding time in his busy schedule for story
telling and photo opportunities with the kids. Santa Claus will present gifts and read a story by the fireplace.(All Gifts must brought to front desk before noon, one gift per person, securely labeled with first and last name) Complimentary cookies (Santa’s favorite) and hot apple cider for everybody.
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Tuesday, December 25th
Christmas Day
3:00p to 9:00p Traditional Christmas Dinner served in the Hotel Dining Room.
Advanced reservations are required. No lunch service on Christmas Day.
5:30p to 9:30p A Merry Christmas celebration with Tom Bopp leading the carols
Wednesday, December 26th
Tom Bopp Performing in the lobby.
At 8:30p Tom will present his renowned Wawona History Program
Thursday, December 27th
Tom Bopp at the piano leading the house in spirited holiday classics.
4:00p Holiday Craft Time and Storytelling in the Sunroom in front of a warm, inviting fire. Complimentary cookies and hot apple cider served.
Friday, December 28th
Enjoy Tom Bopp’s wonderful travels through the yester year of music.
At 8:30p Tom Bopp presents his Teddy Roosevelt Show. Whether you are a “History Wonk” or not this is a fascinating program presented by a true entertainer.
Saturday, December 29th
5:30p to 9:30p Special Holiday appetizer treats and cocktails available for order in the lobby,
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tom Bopp performing in the Lobby
Sunday, December 30th
5:30p to 9:30p Special Holiday appetizer treats and cocktails available for order in the lobby,
Tom Bopp off for the evening
Monday, December 31st
5:00p to 10:00p The New Year’s Eve Celebration begins with a sparkling Tom Bopp warm up.
10:00 p.m. to Midnight Live music by the Adam’s Burn Band.
5:00p to 10:00p Game Time in the Sunroom A variety of board and card games available for play, a roaring fire and complimentary hot cocoa.
Tuesday, January 1st
10:30a to 2:00 p Wawona New Year’s Brunch served in the Dining Room
4:00p New Year’s Resolution craft and journal project in front of the Sunroom.
Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate served.
Tom Bopp off for the evening
We hope you enjoyed the Holiday’s and will see everyone next spring with the hotel opening on Friday, March 30th at 2:30 p.m.
Christmas & New Year’s Dinner Reservations, please call (801) 559-4935
Update on the Merced River Plan
Yosemite National Park is in the final writing and production stages of the draft environmental impact statement for the Merced River Plan. The park is currently seeking permission to print and distribute the documents, likely before the first of the year. They will mail hard copies or CDs of the plan to everyone who pre-ordered them this summer. If you did not pre-order a copy you will be able to access the document on-line, along with conceptual site drawings and outreach materials.
South Entrance redesign project
Big Oak Flat Entrance
The Wawona Road resurfacing project was completed at the end of October. If you have seen some tree removal just down the road from the South Entrance, it is the beginning of the South Entrance redesign project. This project will occur over the next couple of years, with the end result being a new entrance station with three inbound lanes and one exit lane. The design of the new kiosks will be like the ones at the Big Oak Flat entrance on Hwy. 120.
Eric Scott
Wawona District Ranger
Yosemite National Park
(209) 375-9520
Eric Scott
Wawona District Ranger
Yosemite National Park
(209) 375-9520
Close of 2012 Fire Season
After two rain and snow storms, with more predicted this week, Yosemite Fire Managers have declared the 2012 fire season to be over.
While cooler temperatures have helped diminished the threat of a wildfire, residents and visitors are reminded to continue to use caution and remain fire safe.
Pile burning is still prohibited within the park.
(G. Wuchner)
Toys For Tots
There is a Toys For Tots drop-off box at the Wawona School, and it will be there until Friday, December 14th. The school is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM.
We welcome any donation of a new, unwrapped toy for a child of any age!
Thanks so much!
Michelle Stauffer
Chowchilla Mountain Road Closed for the Season
Due to recent weather and road conditions, the Chowchilla Mountain Road will be closed and inaccessible for the season from the park boundary to the Wawona Golf Course. The closure will be in effect as of Thursday morning, November 15. - C. Andrews
Chad Andrews
Wawona Subdistrict Ranger
Yosemite National Park
W (209) 375-9520 x228
C (209) 742-8269
F (209) 375-9534
Chad Andrews
Wawona Subdistrict Ranger
Yosemite National Park
W (209) 375-9520 x228
C (209) 742-8269
F (209) 375-9534
Fish Camp Post Office
Snow chain control
Greetings everyone from your friendly Yosemiy Traffic Management Office!
Winter is sneaking up on us and while still unseasonably warm we all know the climate around here changes pretty fast.
In anticipation of winter each year I put out winter related information for new and seasoned employees alike. It is always a good refresher to review and print up as reference material before the snow begins to fall.
So here we go!
All vehicles MUST CARRY CHAINS or other approved traction devices in the mountains during winter conditions. The speed limit in chain control zones (after the chain control checkpoint) is 25 MPH until you leave the controlled zone.
Yosemite National Park imposes and posts the following restrictions depending on conditions -
R-1: Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle. R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires. 4x4's over 6500 lbs MUST 'chain up' - (examples depending on equipment - H1 Hummers, Expeditions, some one ton dually pickups, etc.) R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception. (There is no such thing as "an exempt vehicle").
• What are the dates for the chain law? California does not have any specific dates when vehicles are required to carry chains. When the road is posted with a sign requiring chains, all heavy-duty vehicles (over 6,500 pounds gross weight) must be equipped with chains mounted on the tires in order to proceed. Depending on the severity of road conditions, some vehicles (passenger cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires) may not be required to install chains at that point. The exceptions will be posted on the sign.
• Are “all-weather” or “all-terrain” tires the same as “snow” tires? They may be. Snow tires have the designation “Mud & Snow” or an abbreviation such as “M-S,” “M+S,” or “M/S” marked on the tire sidewall. Tires without this designation are not considered snow tires. Snow tires must also have at least 6/32-inch (3/16”) of tread depth (about 1/2 of the original tread depth).
• If I have 4-wheel-drive, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on 4-wheel-drive vehicles at a particular time, to enter a chain control area, you must have a set of chains (for one drive axle) for your vehicle in your possession. If conditions worsen or you have trouble controlling your vehicle, you must stop and install the chains.
• If I have snow tires, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on passenger vehicles equipped with snow tires at a particular time, to enter a chain control area, you must have a set of chains (one pair) for your vehicle in your possession. If conditions worsen or you have trouble controlling your vehicle, you must stop and install the chains.
• If I have studded snow tires, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Studded snow tires are not considered tire traction devices and may not be used in lieu of chains.
• Is “all-wheel drive” the same as 4-wheel drive? Yes. Even though all-wheel drive systems may differ mechanically from conventional 4- wheel drive systems, for the purposes of chain control, all-wheel drive is considered the same as 4-wheel drive.
• Do I have to put on chains when I am towing a trailer? Yes, always.
• Even if I have 4-wheel drive? Yes.
• Do I have to put chains on the trailer? You must have at least one axle chained if the trailer is equipped with brakes.
Call the recorded line at: (209) 372-0200 or the Traffic Management Office at: (209) 372-0600
Brakes in good working order?
Tires have good tread depth?
Tire pressure correct?
Windshield wipers working correctly?
Antifreeze levels, heaters, defrosters working per factory specs?
Lighting (headlamps, turn signals, brake lights) functioning?
Chains, Cables or Spiders !!! (depending on your vehicle type)
Windshield de-icer
Ice scraper
Blanket(s)
Flashlight (batteries fresh?)
Bottled water
Non perishable food (i.e.: energy bars)
Broom or snow brush
Small shovel
Towel or burlap sack for traction if needed
Cell phone? (Keep cell phone with you when exiting the car to install chains)
Extra key in packet or hidden on car? (Lock outs occur frequently while installing chains)
Flares, reflective triangles for emergency situations
Small first aid kit for cuts and scratches
Remember to stay safe and drive to meet the conditions - Watch out for snow clearing equipment - Give our plows a wide berth and slow down! Ice and snow driving require enhanced awareness, driving skills and a bit more time.
Here's to an accident free winter season!
Dave Henderson, Park Ranger
Traffic Management Supervisor
Division of Visitor & Resource Protection
SEPM - Veterans Affairs - EOC
National Park Service - - Yosemite National Park
PO Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389
Office - (209) 372-0600
Gov. Cell - (209) 742-3524
Facsimile - (209) 372-0541
email - [email protected]
"The Summer of 1927 has clearly demonstrated that parking is one of the most urgent, pressing problems of the entire Yosemite Valley." Don Tressider, President, YP&CC, 1927
Winter is sneaking up on us and while still unseasonably warm we all know the climate around here changes pretty fast.
In anticipation of winter each year I put out winter related information for new and seasoned employees alike. It is always a good refresher to review and print up as reference material before the snow begins to fall.
So here we go!
- CHAIN CONTROL:
All vehicles MUST CARRY CHAINS or other approved traction devices in the mountains during winter conditions. The speed limit in chain control zones (after the chain control checkpoint) is 25 MPH until you leave the controlled zone.
Yosemite National Park imposes and posts the following restrictions depending on conditions -
R-1: Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle. R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires. 4x4's over 6500 lbs MUST 'chain up' - (examples depending on equipment - H1 Hummers, Expeditions, some one ton dually pickups, etc.) R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception. (There is no such thing as "an exempt vehicle").
- SOME HANDY INFO:
• What are the dates for the chain law? California does not have any specific dates when vehicles are required to carry chains. When the road is posted with a sign requiring chains, all heavy-duty vehicles (over 6,500 pounds gross weight) must be equipped with chains mounted on the tires in order to proceed. Depending on the severity of road conditions, some vehicles (passenger cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires) may not be required to install chains at that point. The exceptions will be posted on the sign.
• Are “all-weather” or “all-terrain” tires the same as “snow” tires? They may be. Snow tires have the designation “Mud & Snow” or an abbreviation such as “M-S,” “M+S,” or “M/S” marked on the tire sidewall. Tires without this designation are not considered snow tires. Snow tires must also have at least 6/32-inch (3/16”) of tread depth (about 1/2 of the original tread depth).
• If I have 4-wheel-drive, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on 4-wheel-drive vehicles at a particular time, to enter a chain control area, you must have a set of chains (for one drive axle) for your vehicle in your possession. If conditions worsen or you have trouble controlling your vehicle, you must stop and install the chains.
• If I have snow tires, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Even though weather conditions may not warrant the use of chains on passenger vehicles equipped with snow tires at a particular time, to enter a chain control area, you must have a set of chains (one pair) for your vehicle in your possession. If conditions worsen or you have trouble controlling your vehicle, you must stop and install the chains.
• If I have studded snow tires, do I need to carry chains? Yes. Studded snow tires are not considered tire traction devices and may not be used in lieu of chains.
• Is “all-wheel drive” the same as 4-wheel drive? Yes. Even though all-wheel drive systems may differ mechanically from conventional 4- wheel drive systems, for the purposes of chain control, all-wheel drive is considered the same as 4-wheel drive.
• Do I have to put on chains when I am towing a trailer? Yes, always.
• Even if I have 4-wheel drive? Yes.
• Do I have to put chains on the trailer? You must have at least one axle chained if the trailer is equipped with brakes.
- QUESTIONS REGARDING CHAIN CONTROL OR ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PARK?
Call the recorded line at: (209) 372-0200 or the Traffic Management Office at: (209) 372-0600
- CHECKLIST BEFORE HEADING OUT ONTO THE ROAD:
Brakes in good working order?
Tires have good tread depth?
Tire pressure correct?
Windshield wipers working correctly?
Antifreeze levels, heaters, defrosters working per factory specs?
Lighting (headlamps, turn signals, brake lights) functioning?
- SUGGESTED 'ONBOARD' SUPPLIES FOR WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS:
Chains, Cables or Spiders !!! (depending on your vehicle type)
Windshield de-icer
Ice scraper
Blanket(s)
Flashlight (batteries fresh?)
Bottled water
Non perishable food (i.e.: energy bars)
Broom or snow brush
Small shovel
Towel or burlap sack for traction if needed
Cell phone? (Keep cell phone with you when exiting the car to install chains)
Extra key in packet or hidden on car? (Lock outs occur frequently while installing chains)
Flares, reflective triangles for emergency situations
Small first aid kit for cuts and scratches
Remember to stay safe and drive to meet the conditions - Watch out for snow clearing equipment - Give our plows a wide berth and slow down! Ice and snow driving require enhanced awareness, driving skills and a bit more time.
Here's to an accident free winter season!
Dave Henderson, Park Ranger
Traffic Management Supervisor
Division of Visitor & Resource Protection
SEPM - Veterans Affairs - EOC
National Park Service - - Yosemite National Park
PO Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389
Office - (209) 372-0600
Gov. Cell - (209) 742-3524
Facsimile - (209) 372-0541
email - [email protected]
"The Summer of 1927 has clearly demonstrated that parking is one of the most urgent, pressing problems of the entire Yosemite Valley." Don Tressider, President, YP&CC, 1927
