Wow......
http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal_wanderer/briefs/we-apologize-for-the-potential.html
Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 08:11AM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 670 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 08:32AM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 670 |
October 01, 2013 09:07AM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,347 |
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Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 12:31PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 157 |
October 01, 2013 12:37PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,096 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 12:48PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 157 |
October 01, 2013 12:57PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 185 |
October 01, 2013 12:59PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 01:06PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,976 |
October 01, 2013 01:15PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 185 |
October 01, 2013 01:53PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,096 |
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calipidder
That's what it says, but a friend of mine called ahead from the east side a couple of hours ago and was told that the gates were closed. She's trying to decide whether to believe that or not, go the longer route around or take her chances with Tioga.
October 01, 2013 04:57PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
"The gates were closed" could have several meanings. The entrance station kiosks are closed but the road is open... at least everything official I have read says all the gates will remain open.Quote
calipidder
That's what it says, but a friend of mine called ahead from the east side a couple of hours ago and was told that the gates were closed. She's trying to decide whether to believe that or not, go the longer route around or take her chances with Tioga.
October 01, 2013 04:55PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
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October 01, 2013 08:59PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 7,421 |
October 01, 2013 09:25PM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 2,321 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 01:16PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 157 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 07:06PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,976 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 02:12PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 670 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 02:56PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 157 |
October 01, 2013 03:43PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 04:05PM | Registered: 11 years ago Posts: 36 |
October 01, 2013 05:02PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
You shouldn't believe anything you read on that site. Did they mention what else was in that bill? The Republicans are well known for their dishonesty in claiming that the Democrats wouldn't vote for a certain bill but neglect to mention that it also contained something like a rider to end Social Security, or something like that. And, they should reopen the whole government, not just the feel good parts. The bill was a scam.Quote
W7SG
And the beat goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/10/01/House-to-pass-bills-to-reopen-national-parks--VA
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 05:31PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 141 |
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Dave
You shouldn't believe anything you read on that site. Did they mention what else was in that bill? The Republicans are well known for their dishonesty in claiming that the Democrats wouldn't vote for a certain bill but neglect to mention that it also contained something like a rider to end Social Security, or something like that. And, they should reopen the whole government, not just the feel good parts. The bill was a scam.Quote
W7SG
And the beat goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/10/01/House-to-pass-bills-to-reopen-national-parks--VA
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 01, 2013 06:41PM | Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 324 |
October 02, 2013 03:49PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,096 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 02, 2013 04:23PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 931 |
October 02, 2013 05:14PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
October 02, 2013 05:29PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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October 07, 2013 09:24AM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 02, 2013 05:54PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 177 |
October 02, 2013 06:23PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 02, 2013 07:30PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 140 |
October 02, 2013 08:49PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,096 |
October 02, 2013 09:35PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 02, 2013 10:18PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,976 |
October 02, 2013 11:13PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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parklover
Go to this section of their website and it will explain about what is going on with the charges for reservations. You can either reschedule or get a refund.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/government-shutdown-information.aspx
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If you have an upcoming reservation and are not able to change your reservation to alternative dates, your reservation will be automatically cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
October 02, 2013 11:37PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 4,173 |
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JohnC
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parklover
Go to this section of their website and it will explain about what is going on with the charges for reservations. You can either reschedule or get a refund.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/government-shutdown-information.aspx
Thanks. I find it humerous they think you can reschedule when you don't know when they will be open. LoL!Quote
If you have an upcoming reservation and are not able to change your reservation to alternative dates, your reservation will be automatically cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Funny, they didn't automatically cancel my reservation, they automatically charged me for it. My previous experinces dealing with DNC on the phone have been less than enjoyable. I'll just call my CC company and let them deal with it.
October 03, 2013 12:10AM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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plawrence
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JohnC
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parklover
Go to this section of their website and it will explain about what is going on with the charges for reservations. You can either reschedule or get a refund.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/government-shutdown-information.aspx
Thanks. I find it humerous they think you can reschedule when you don't know when they will be open. LoL!Quote
If you have an upcoming reservation and are not able to change your reservation to alternative dates, your reservation will be automatically cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Funny, they didn't automatically cancel my reservation, they automatically charged me for it. My previous experinces dealing with DNC on the phone have been less than enjoyable. I'll just call my CC company and let them deal with it.
I'm not sure why you're surprised that your credit card got charged. Anytime I make a reservation for lodging inside Yosemite my credit card gets charged IMMEDIATELY (the same day I make make my reservation through their website or by phone) for the first night of my stay. It's a deposit that'll get refunded if I cancel in time or is automatically refunded in situations like this one.
As it's stated on their webpage about the park's closure, your deposit will get automatically refunded to you (unless you decide to reschedule your stay). You don't have to do anything (contact no one) to receive your refund.
So why contact your credit company over this? I would only contact my credit company if my deposit wasn't refunded within seven days of my reservation being cancelled by DNC.
.
October 03, 2013 02:33AM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 4,173 |
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JohnC
Well, I didn't make the reservation until last Saturday. Initially there was only a hold on my card. Today I saw it actually processed as a charge. Your card likely only has a hold placed on your limit until the 7 day cancellation window passes.
October 03, 2013 08:36AM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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plawrence
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JohnC
Well, I didn't make the reservation until last Saturday. Initially there was only a hold on my card. Today I saw it actually processed as a charge. Your card likely only has a hold placed on your limit until the 7 day cancellation window passes.
No, the "hold" which actually is a credit authorization is usually only for no more than three days (at the most) until the credit card company verifies that the charges are legit. But while the posting date might be delayed, the actual transaction date has always been listed as the date that the actual reservation was made.
Often I'll make the reservation for a room at the Yosemite Lodge a year in advance and my credit card is billed immediately (not after the 7-day cancellation window has passed). That's because DNC requires an actual deposit. Most other hotels nowadays don't, they just require your credit card number that they won't charge unless you don't cancel in time and are a no-show.
I was just trying to save you some time by letting you know that you don't need to do anything. Your deposit will be automatically refunded by DNC if Yosemite National Park is still closed the day that you were scheduled to arrive in Yosemite.
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Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 05, 2013 09:42PM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 38 |
October 05, 2013 11:08PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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highsierra1
JohnC-your reservation for tomorrow should have been canceled today and refunded. If you have any questions I am more than happy to help you after 230 pm tomorrow at the Curry Front Desk, 209-372-8333. Just know it may take a few days for you to see the refund back to your card. Trust me, on behalf of all of us here I wish you were arriving tomorrow, it's very surreal being here with no guests!
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Email from DNC
If your reservation was cancelled due to the US Government shutdown all cancel and change fees are waived. Reservation cancelled or modified within our 7 day cancel policy will forfeit the deposit charged.
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 06, 2013 02:31AM | Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 38 |
October 07, 2013 09:34AM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,347 |
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highsierra1
It is over and over again saddening to see the closure signs, the barricades and that people can't enjoy it for a day or days what we give so much of our heart to. How can nature be closed?
October 03, 2013 08:04AM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Maybe they are just being hopeful this will be over by then.Quote
JohnC
Funny, they didn't automatically cancel my reservation, they automatically charged me for it. My previous experinces dealing with DNC on the phone have been less than enjoyable. I'll just call my CC company and let them deal with it.
October 03, 2013 08:44AM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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Dave
Maybe they are just being hopeful this will be over by then.Quote
JohnC
Funny, they didn't automatically cancel my reservation, they automatically charged me for it. My previous experinces dealing with DNC on the phone have been less than enjoyable. I'll just call my CC company and let them deal with it.
October 03, 2013 10:58AM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
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JohnC
Well, I am too. But realistically it's too late for this to get resolved overnight. It will now drag on for a while. Whatever happens will take a few days to reverse course and open back up. That won't happen before Sunday. When they figure it all out I'll decide my next step. I had already planned a winter trip so the fall trip will likely just get cancelled on my part.
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Which leads to a question. Does anybody know how quickly the roads are plowed in the valley after a snow storm? Can you drive without chains the next day? How about if you are coming in from 140? Thanks for any winter tips you can provide. :-)
October 03, 2013 11:36AM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
October 03, 2013 12:26PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
October 03, 2013 12:49PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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Dave
140 is snow free most of the year. You shouldn't have a problem there. I assume you're taking 41 from Fresno, then 49 from Oakhurst, then 140 from Mariposa. That should be free of snow except for one, or two, big storms a year. You could also spend the night in Mariposa. Lots of nice hotels, places to eat, and some nice shops.
October 03, 2013 01:36PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
From Fresno to Mariposa is about the same distance either way. The drive along 99 from Fresno to Merced is boring, ugly, and messy. There is one highspot on the way to Oakhurst, but that's not much over 3000ft. It gets snow once, maybe twice, a year. Oakhurst itself is around 2300ft. 99 to 41 to 49 would keep you below 3000ft all the way.Quote
JohnC
Well, in the fall it's just 99 to 41 to the south entrance. But definitely not the winter route. My plan was to take 99 to Merced and then 140 east. I know it's longer I just figured it would quite possibly be a chain free drive all the way in and out by staying below 4000 feet.I think Oakhurst is already almost 6000 is it not?
October 03, 2013 01:44PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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Dave
From Fresno to Mariposa is about the same distance either way. The drive along 99 from Fresno to Merced is boring, ugly, and messy. There is one highspot on the way to Oakhurst, but that's not much over 3000ft. It gets snow once, maybe twice, a year. Oakhurst itself is around 2300ft. 99 to 41 to 49 would keep you below 3000ft all the way.Quote
JohnC
Well, in the fall it's just 99 to 41 to the south entrance. But definitely not the winter route. My plan was to take 99 to Merced and then 140 east. I know it's longer I just figured it would quite possibly be a chain free drive all the way in and out by staying below 4000 feet.I think Oakhurst is already almost 6000 is it not?
October 03, 2013 06:43PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Without a doubt. 49 rarely gets snow. It would have to be a pretty big storm for it to reach down that low. If the storm was that big, you'd hear about it on the news. Just check the weather before you leave home. Just go to Weather Underground and plug in Zip Code 95338 then look at the extended forcast. They're pretty reliable.Quote
JohnC
I didn't realize Oakhurst was that low. I guess it climbs quite a bit to the entrance to the park. I've driven 49 between Oakhurst and Miraposa before and know the drive is much nicer but don't know about winter road conditions or elevation and how that could affect snow. You think 49 could be as chain free as 140 from Merced?
October 03, 2013 08:48PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
October 03, 2013 09:03PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
October 03, 2013 09:27PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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Dave
Hopefully the park will be open by the time you want to come. This could drag on for some time.
Anyway..... the best shots of Yosemite I've seen were just before, or just after, a storm. I have a picture, somewhere, of a cloud slamming into Half Dome.
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 03, 2013 10:05PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,976 |
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JohnC
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Dave
Hopefully the park will be open by the time you want to come. This could drag on for some time.
Anyway..... the best shots of Yosemite I've seen were just before, or just after, a storm. I have a picture, somewhere, of a cloud slamming into Half Dome.
I have no doubt it will be open in the next 30 days or so. Probably well before any serious winter storms hit. I feel bad for the people who made lifetime vaction trips and missed out. Me, I'm just 6 hours away and have already been a few times. Now I'm just getting picky about trying to see the different seasons in the park before I run out of seasons. :-) I definitely like Ansels Adams "Clearing Storm" photo. I also like a lot of what Michael Frye currently does in Yosemite.
October 03, 2013 10:21PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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parklover
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JohnC
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Dave
Hopefully the park will be open by the time you want to come. This could drag on for some time.
Anyway..... the best shots of Yosemite I've seen were just before, or just after, a storm. I have a picture, somewhere, of a cloud slamming into Half Dome.
I have no doubt it will be open in the next 30 days or so. Probably well before any serious winter storms hit. I feel bad for the people who made lifetime vaction trips and missed out. Me, I'm just 6 hours away and have already been a few times. Now I'm just getting picky about trying to see the different seasons in the park before I run out of seasons. :-) I definitely like Ansels Adams "Clearing Storm" photo. I also like a lot of what Michael Frye currently does in Yosemite.
If you really want great winter pictures, as Dave said, you need to be there before the storm comes and when it is clearing to get the best pictures. If you get there after the storm has cleared than you might miss the most dramatic pictures. Sometimes, if you wait to go until the day after the storm, the clouds might have cleared and the snow melted. I can't tell you how much time my husband has spent waiting for the perfect storm to come through just to get the picture he had imagined. One thing you have to decide is that do you want to see the seasons or do you want to experience them.
October 03, 2013 01:47PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 4,173 |
October 03, 2013 05:02PM | Admin Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 17,096 |
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JohnC
I think Oakhurst is already almost 6000 is it not?
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 10, 2013 09:13PM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 141 |
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JohnC
Dave and Gary, thank you. I've never been in winter and my ideal plan would be to drive in right after the storm to see and photograph some snow on the ground and elsewhere, but to avoid having to mess with the chains. I do have chains and would be carrying them but hate the idea of messing with them. I don't use them on any regular basis. I was under the impression driving 140 would keep you pretty even with the valley floor at about 4,000 ft? Driving up from SoCal I would expect to get there in the afternoon. I would overnight either in the park or maybe El Portal?
October 10, 2013 09:58PM | Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 186 |
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Sierrafan
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JohnC
Dave and Gary, thank you. I've never been in winter and my ideal plan would be to drive in right after the storm to see and photograph some snow on the ground and elsewhere, but to avoid having to mess with the chains. I do have chains and would be carrying them but hate the idea of messing with them. I don't use them on any regular basis. I was under the impression driving 140 would keep you pretty even with the valley floor at about 4,000 ft? Driving up from SoCal I would expect to get there in the afternoon. I would overnight either in the park or maybe El Portal?
John, nothing beats being right there in the valley the morning after (or during) a snowstorm, so if you can figure out a way to get in just before the storm and stay it's worth it. The campground gets a bit cold, so in Jan-Feb I like to stay at the Lodge (they have some really good prices at times if you stay away from the holidays and weekends, and wait until late in the year to make the reservation). Of course the tricky part is predicting the snow, but if you miss, it's still not so bad waking up in the valley and heading out for a walk at daybreak. For photos, you can't beat the just-fallen snow, and in the valley much of it may melt before 10AM. Not that there isn't still a lot to see and photograph, but the earlier the better. I've stayed in Oakhurst and Mariposa, and driven in early, but I still remember how great it was the first time waking up at the Lodge after a snowy night and heading out with my camera at dawn...it's absolutely amazing. For anything later in the year, you almost have to be right there (campground or lodging) because it seldom lasts long, and by 8 or 9AM it's a different world.
At worst, you could get "stuck" in the valley and have to either put on your chains, or stay a bit longer, which is pretty much a win-win situation...8^)
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 03, 2013 11:15AM | Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 141 |
JohnC, most of the time the snow on valley roads melts during the day (there are of course, exceptions depending on the storm amounts and temps). Roads are plowed fairly quickly, but with an incoming storm you have to rely on your own common sense. However, from the 140 gate to the valley floor has quite an increase in altitude, and you may have to put chains on once you get inside, particularly in the morning. There are spots along the road into the valley that seldom get sun and will be icy regardless of plowing, so even if most of the road is clear, watch out for these areas and go slowly and very carefully over them if you don't have chains on. The Lodge area gets plowed pretty quickly, but as you get around Curry and beyond, the need for chains will be more likely.Quote
JohnC
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Dave
Maybe they are just being hopeful this will be over by then.Quote
JohnC
Funny, they didn't automatically cancel my reservation, they automatically charged me for it. My previous experinces dealing with DNC on the phone have been less than enjoyable. I'll just call my CC company and let them deal with it.
Well, I am too. But realistically it's too late for this to get resolved overnight. It will now drag on for a while. Whatever happens will take a few days to reverse course and open back up. That won't happen before Sunday. When they figure it all out I'll decide my next step. I had already planned a winter trip so the fall trip will likely just get cancelled on my part.
Which leads to a question. Does anybody know how quickly the roads are plowed in the valley after a snow storm? Can you drive without chains the next day? How about if you are coming in from 140? Thanks for any winter tips you can provide. :-)
October 03, 2013 04:53AM | Registered: 11 years ago Posts: 95 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 03, 2013 08:45AM | Registered: 11 years ago Posts: 36 |
Re: Information on how the shut down will affect Yosemite October 03, 2013 01:04PM | Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 1,976 |
October 03, 2013 04:11PM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 2,321 |
October 06, 2013 12:56PM | Moderator Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 1,347 |
October 06, 2013 02:52PM | Moderator Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,634 |
Of course that should not have been voted for. It is not good policy to negociate with terrorists. The Regressives could not care less about any National Park, unless they could profit from it somehow. They only did that to make the Democrats look bad. Not many fell for their dishonest tactic.Quote
Ohnivy-Drak
"Meanwhile, a House bill that would have reopened national parks was blocked by Democrats who said they refused to let Republicans pick and choose what entities would be spared the budget standoff."