by Marv Dealy

     The Jordan Oak is a large Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) that was crowned as a champion—the biggest Canyon live oak in the nation—in 1966, when it was registered with the American Forestry Association.
     Priscilla Riefkoh-Guzman, Groveland Ranger District Archaeologist, was kind enough to lend me a copy of her file on the Jordan Oak, which included correspondence and newspaper clippings that go back to 1959.
     The Canyon live oak is found in the southwestern part of North America, particularly in the California coastal ranges. They are common in the hills west of Yosemite, and are often found growing near creeks and drainage swales. The flat leaves are a glossy dark green on the upper side with a goldish velvet underside, and have prominent spiny teeth, particularly on young twigs, which will stick your fingers if you’re not careful. 

 by Renny Joel Avey

     In the July 2011 issue of the Yosemite Gazette Renny Avey introduced us to the sport of fly fishing with Aquatic Insects and Trout. He continues with a primer about fly fishing equipment and methods.

     When casting bait or hardware with a spinning rod and reel, you are relying upon the weight of the bait, any added weight, or lure to pull the line off the reel and out through the line guides on the rod.
     Many artificial flies tied to represent common food organisms of trout are very lightweight when compared to bait and lures. In order to present the artificial fly pattern to the trout, one must cast the fly line itself. The weight is in the fly line. When you get the line to go where you want it to go, you get the artificial fly pattern to get there, too. Some may shy away from this sport due to the apparent complexity of the casting. Don’t let that happen to you. Basic fly casting is not that difficult to learn.

By Rick Deutsch

    Many know of the famous people who helped make Yosemite the jewel of the National Parks. John Muir, Galen Clark, James Hutchings and Stephen Mather all rightfully deserve a place in its history. But do you know George G. Anderson? You won’t find him mentioned in the Valley Visitor Center or the park museum. No peaks or formations are named after him, and he is buried under an almost illegible granite stone in the Yosemite cemetery.
      Yet to many he is the Neil Armstrong of the park because he was the first man to reach the top of Half Dome. His story is one that needs elevation in Park lore, and I propose that we honor him by declaring October 12 “George Anderson Day.” Once you learn about him, I think you’ll agree.

 by Matt Johanson 

     Centuries before Yosemite became an international sensation, its original residents made their home a land of legend. According to one Indian tale, a worm saved two wayward bear cubs atop El Capitan, leading other grateful animals to name the mountain “Tu-tok-a-nu-la” in its honor. A different fable recounts how The Great Spirit punished a husband and wife for quarreling in the tranquil Valley of Ahwahnee, turning them into granite giants that were forever separated: Half Dome and Washington Column. Another legend warns of Pohono, an evil spirit haunting Bridalveil Falls who lures unwitting victims to a watery doom.
     Peter Croft didn’t know that tale when he roped up by the falls in the spring of 1992, though he certainly didn’t lack Yosemite expertise.

by Marv Dealy

their base without getting wet, due to the spray.  The snow pack will keep the falls running high this year for weeks to come. Get there as soon as possible—you’ll not forget the experience.

by Joyce Griffith

Thirty years later the Mother Lode Roundup Parade is as much fun as it ever was, according to the U.S. flag

Janet and Joan rode in the Mother Lode Round-Up Parade years ago as little girls and decided to come back thirty years later to return and ride once again in their favorite parade.  Janet Heur shared her memories of long-ago days participating in the parade with today’s Yosemite Gazette readers.

Adapted by Adele O’Neill

Dana Gardens

On the lower slopes of Mount Dana, there is a permanent seep of water from the melting snows above. This moisture has created several acres of natural garden, one of the finest assemblages of mountain flowers around. It is worth a short hike just to see them.  Leave Tioga Pass on the Mount Dana Trail, which takes off in the direction of the mountain, right at the pass.

by Joyce Griffith

The West was won on horseback. Everyone who has ever watched a Western movie knows that.

At Yosemite—from expert horse handlers among early explorers and the Army to contemporary cowboys—there have been horses here since before the 1800s.Although still admired for their strength and beauty, since the 1950s horses have become favorites for their feats of accuracy, speed and competitive spirit.