Winter in Yosemite - DEC 2014 #yosemite #nps

We don't see much snow in California, especially in Southern California. If you want to play in the snow, you have to go to it. So the boys and I packed up our snow clothes, threw the chains in the 4Runner and headed off to Yosemite. It took 4 ½ hours.

Wawona Hotel

 We got a room at the Wawona Hotel in the southern part of the park. The hotel was first built in 1876 in Victorian style. We stayed in the "index" built in 1918. Our room was small with a closet, double bed, twin bed, and they gave us a roll up bed. We had a small sink and mirror. Our restroom was outside in the hall. The showers were on the other side of the building. We ate dinner in the hotel's dining room. The hotel was decorated in lights, red bows, and had a tricked out gingerbread house. They had a cool yule log and a colorful Christmas tree.

The Wawona Christmas tree

The next day, after breakfast in the dining room, we donned our winter coats and went up to Badger Pass hoping to do some snow tubing, but it was closed so we made snowballs instead.

Making snowballs in Badge Pass

Next we trolled the valley floor. The Yosemite Falls were gushing. We had a picnic lunch at a site near the Awanhnee Hotel. The Awanhnee Hotel was decked out. They had at least three trees, one in the lobby, one near the he fireplace, and one in the winter room. They also had a sleigh near the entrance.

Joe in the Awanhnee sleigh

The fireplace at the Awanhnee

The Awanhnee lobby Christmas tree

Our next adventure was at the Curry Village ice rink. I got my "skating' legs back pretty easily. It was Joe's first time and he picked it up quickly. Then we went back to our hotel for a good night's sleep. The following day we hopped in the car and went home. Right now it's 46 degrees in Castaic and the weatherman says the snow level is dropping to 2000 feet. Time will tell if we get snow.  Heck, SoCal is due for a little snow.

On the ice rink 

Skating with the boys

Smiles

Steph

Enjoy this 99 Christmas romance:

FEAST OF CANDLES:

After tasting her wine, Drake travels from Denmark to California to meet winemaker Lily Marquand.  Will love bloom?

4 Stars, "A  delightful story!" Billie Houston, Amazon Reviewer.

5 Stars, "A wonderfully romantic story!" Angela Britnell, Amazon Reviewer.

5 Stars, " A highly enjoyable story!" Jaclyn Bi Bona, Amazon Reviewer.

Excerpt:

He escorted her to her car and paused near the door. Lily unlocked it with her remote and leaned over, placing her purse along with the folder in the passenger seat. When she stood back up, Drake was directly in front of her. He cupped her cheek, his hand warm and encouraging. "When can I see you again?"

Her abdomen ached for more as waves of desire washed over her. Lily craved closer contact, but she tried to think rationally. "I'm, ah, not sure of my schedule."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes – tomorrow. Come to the winery after it closes."

His lips brushed against hers, then gently covered her mouth.

Buy Links:

Amazon:

http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Smashwords:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792