Fall in Yosemite with a Sportsmobile

[cobblecrazy]

Due to some work related issues, and the funds not being prolific, we decided to stay somewhat close to home. We decided on the foothills around Yosemite/Sonora as it's only a few hours (via Tioga Pass) from home. I was a little apprehensive about going into Yosemite as it has seemed to be more crowded as time goes on.

Fortunately, Mother Nature helped us out with some torrential rain for a few days which thinned out the pretenders...

It was also our first forray with "the dog" into the National Park. Not happy about some of the rules and regs (read the limitation for Canyonlands National Park - if your a dog person), but you can find adventure if you just look a little for it.

Anyway, the colors and recent rainfall made for some pretty amazing scenery. Here's a couple shots

[cobblecrazy]

She really liked the whole sightseeing thing...

[cobblecrazy]

This was just down from Bridalveil Falls



And this was at Lower Yosemite Falls

[cobblecrazy]

We took a walk along the bike path (always carefull to stay on the "pavement" - the dog don't ya know...)

[cobblecrazy]

These were along the road to Mirror lake...

[cobblecrazy]

The dog always seemed to know when it was time to kick up her feet



There were times, though, she seemed to perk up for a reason only seen to her (we called it the "oooh butterfly" moment).



We were lucky she didn't spot this little guy stuck to the side of a pillar in a little place called Copperopolis...He was trying his best to "blend in".

[washington taco]

Wow great pics!

[PirateMcGee]

sweet pics!

I used to have similar thoughts with regards to dogs in the National Parks (have a golden retriever myself) but I also work for the National Park Service and it's important to remember how many people come to the parks and if dogs were allowed everywhere the damage it would cause.

[1leglance]

Great pics and the shot of the dog & the sportmobile seat looks comfy...
Nice to have a rig that can handle any weather in style

thanks for posting

[cobblecrazy]

sweet pics!

I used to have similar thoughts with regards to dogs in the National Parks (have golden myself) but I also work for the National Park Service and it's important to remember how many people come to the parks and if dogs were allowed everywhere the damage it would cause.

It's not the damage the dogs cause, or the "stress" they cause the wildlife, it's the things their OWNERS let them do. I'm not saying let the dogs go "where the Buffalo roam," but there has to be some give and take. I've always thought some hefty fines and a specific list it items you have to have for the dog, might generate some income for the National Park. Just like when your backpacking through Yosemite and the Ranger stops you to make sure you have an "approved" bear canister with you, or its a fine.

Here is a direct quote from the National Park Canyonlands site in reference to your pet: "...Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or anywhere in the backcountry. Pets may not accompany groups traveling by four-wheel-drive vehicle, mountain bike or boat..." Just a little excessive if you ask me.

We actually went over Tioga Pass to Mammoth so we could go up to Devil's Postpile National Monument because not only was the dog welcome around the Monument, but you could also take her on the shuttle bus which takes you (most of the year) up the road. Again, hold the OWNERS accountable.