November 6, 2023 • 29 mins
Join Steve as he takes a closer look at some of the legends, stories, and missing people from Yosemite National Park. Written by Niciole Stockton.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hello friends, Steve Stockton here withyou. Welcome to our latest episode.
In this video, we'll explore someof the history and legends of Yosemite National
Park, as well as cases ofhikers who went missing and were never found
there. Join me, let's walkand see. Yosemite National Park is a
popular tourist destination, welcoming approximately fourmillion visitors annually from all over the world.
(00:26):
The park is renowned for its stunningnatural wonders, including the tallest waterfall
in North America, Yosemite Falls,as well as granite domes, meadows,
and spectacular high country lakes. YosemiteNational Park covers an incredible seven hundred and
forty seven nine hundred and fifty sixacres in California's Central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
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Almost ninety five percent of the parkis designated as federal wilderness. The
park's landscape is a testament to thecooperation and conflicts between different cultures which led
to the creation of the park weknow in love today. Yosemite Valley in
California was initially inhabited by Native Americans. However, the gold Rush of eighteen
forty nine resulted in severe environmental damageand a significant increase in the number of
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settlers and tourists. In eighteen sixtyfour, to prevent commercial exploitation, Yosemite
Valley and Mariposa Grove were declared apublic Trust of California. This was a
significant achievement as it marked the firsttime the U. S Government had taken
steps to protect land for public enjoyment, which laid the foundation for the creation
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of national and state park systems.On October one, eighteen ninety, Congress
passed an act that created Yosemite NationalPark. John Muir, environmental activists,
and his colleagues, advocated for thiscongressional act, which was signed into law
by then President Benjamin Harrison. Thispaved the way for generations of hikers,
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campers, and nature enthusiasts to appreciatethe park. Here are some legends associated
with Yosemite Now. Humans to populatedthe area of Yosemite for at least eight
thousand years. Archaeological evidence suggests thatthe first occupants use small flat stones to
grind seeds and hunted using spears andat lattles. Awani, which means gaping
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mouth like place, was a namegiven to Yosemite Valley. The people who
lived there, called themselves awa Nische. Over time, the ways of life
of the early inhabitants changed as culturesreplaced one another in oral histories and traditions
were passed down through generations. Theselegends, rooted in the cultural heritage of
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the indigenous people and the natural wondersof Yosemite, contribute to the mythical and
spiritual significance of the park and continueto be part of its cultural fabric.
The legend of Poho no Spirit ofthe Evil Wind. On a beautiful early
spring day long ago, the womenof Alwani were gathering fruits and berries while
the men hunted in the forest.It was on this day that the legend
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of Pohono, or the Spirit ofthe Evil Wind, came to be.
Three of the Awanichi women wandered alonga trail above the valley to a spot
where the mist from the waterfall flutteredbelow. They blissfully laughed together as they
filled their baskets with grasses for basketry, until their joy, unexpecially ceased with
the emergence of the mocking whale ofPonoho. The youngest of the three women
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stepped on a moss covered rock andmoved closer to the cliff's edge to pick
a wisp of overhanging grass. Asthe others shouted a warning, the Pohono
grabbed her and threw onto the rocksbelow. She looked at her peers with
a face full of tear, andin the next moment she was gone.
The two remaining women hurried down thesteep path and formed the others about the
tragic event at the cliff's edge.They searched for the missing woman until nightfall,
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but found no trace of her.According to the legend, the woman's
spirit joined Pohono and would not restuntil another victim met their doom. Since
then, the awa nichi hurried pastthe waterfall, and no one would sleep
within sight of it out of fearbeing swept away to a spirit land of
torture and unrest. Tanaya Canyon TanayaLake was named after Chief Tenaya, the
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last Native American chief in Yosemite.In the eighteen fifties, a group of
armed settlers tried to force Chief Danayaand his tribe out of the valley and
relocate them to a reservation near Fresno. During the conflict, the chief's son
was slain, which enraged him andled him to condemn the battalion captain and
all settlers who tried to enter thecanyon. Even John Muir, who is
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considered the father of national parks,experienced the curse's fury when he was knocked
unconscious after experiencing a dangerous fall.The canyon has been the site of numerous
rescues, leading park rangers to dubbitthe Bermuda Triangle of Yosemite. In an
email statement to s F Gate,Yosemite spokesperson Scott Gedeman wrote, Yosemite National
Park officials acknowledged the stories and legendssurrounding Tanaya Canyon, However, the park
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has no official position on them.The Ghosts of Grouse Lake. In eighteen
six sixty seven, Galen Clark becamethe first civilian guardian of Yosemite National Park
and patrolled the park for two decades. During September eighteen fifty seven, Clark
took a walk to Grause Lake,an alpine lake located eight miles from present
day side of Wawona. While restingby the shore, he heard a distinct
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whaling cry similar to that of alost k nine Clark joined a group of
Native Americans at their hunting camp thatnight to inquire about the whaling sound he
had heard. They advised him thatit was not a dog, but the
spirit of a young boy who haddrowned in the lake. The try urged
him not to go near the lakeor risk being caught by the legs and
pulled under to his demise by thespirit of the deceased boy. Where is
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Elmer? The following tale is presentedin a National Park Service blog post by
a Yosemite Park ranger known as Ar. Ar states that one of the more
modern and bizarre questions ask in YosemiteValley today is where is Elmer? Yosemite
campers have been haunted by voices echoingthrough the campgrounds going out for Elmer since
at least the nineteen thirties. Elmeris a mysterious phenomena typically observed during summer
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nights. Its origins remain unconfirmed,and the National Park Service has not officially
endorsed it. According to AR,when someone calls out for Elmer, it
is usually an adult male hoping toelicit a response from another camper. This
call is often answered by someone usingthe same loud and unpleasant tone of voice.
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Soon, a group of children joinin seemingly coerced into participating by social
pressure or some primitive human instinct.Ar says, when children are asked why
they yell Elmer, most of themrespond because everyone else was doing it.
On the other hand, the personwho started the whole thing would say,
because we used to do it allthe time when I was a kid.
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In nineteen sixty one, Lewis G. Karcher, a park ranger, attempted
to explain the phenomenon known as Elmerin an article he wrote for Yosemite Nature
Notes. According to ranger Karterer,some campers believe that Elmer was a bear
that frequently visits to the campgrounds insearch of food. Others speculated that the
children in the campground were fond ofthe elusive creature and named it Elmer.
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However, neither Ranger, Karser norar found these explanations convincing. In the
nineteen seventies, Henry W. Splitterinvestigated the Elmer sightings in Yosemite campgrounds.
Elmer was a World War One nicknamefor DERELK soldier, and the phrase whereas
Elmer, may have spread the civiliansafter the war. A comedy movie called
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Elmer the Great was released in nineteenthirty three. In the film, characters
repeatedly shout out for Elmer in thedarkness. Ar says it's possible that someone
inspired by the film started calling outto name Elmer at Knight, creating a
trend that continued to grow. Ina written account by Francis Parker Robinson,
a long time Yosemite camper, isreported that a recently engaged young man named
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Elmer missed the celebration for his engagementwhile camping with his family in nineteen thirty
seven, which led to his familyand other campers to call out for him
repeatedly. Elmer returned ashamed, andArranger reprimanded his family for their behavior.
Yosemite historian Shirley Sargent was informed aboutthis incident by Robinson. Ar writes that
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Henry W. Splitter communicated with EdwardW. Sarin, who worked as a
water boy in the Valley campgrounds inthe nineteen thirties. Before running water was
installed, someone had to carry bucketsfrom the river to campsites, and Sarron
was paid to bring water to campers. In nineteen thirty seven, a young
boy began calling Edward Sarin Elmer,mister Sarm believed it was likely due the
popularity of the film Elmer. TheGreat ar concludes by saying, regardless of
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the origin, we will likely alwayshave more questions and answers surrounding the enigmatic
character known as Elmer. Nevertheless,if you find yourself camping in Yosemite,
don't be surprised if you hear thename Elmer reverberating throughout your campsite during the
night and now. Missing person casesfrom Yosemite rock falls are the most powerful
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jill force shaping Yosemite Valley today.Although rock falls are relatively uncommon, several
occur in Yosemite Valley each year.They are dangerous and can cause injury or
death, and on the upper pitches, inclement weather often means impromptu waterfalls and
water fueling down the cracks from brainor melting eyes. The areas around Camp
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five and six and above are particularlyvulnerable to run off. Yosemite National Park
boasts over eight hundred miles of hikingtrails and has been the site of numerous
search and rescue missions to locate missinghikers, with over thirty cases since nineteen
oh nine. Each year, parkrangers and search and rescue personnel respond to
approximately two hundred and fifty emergency incidentsin the park. Here are some of
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the missing F. P. Shepherd, who went missing in nineteen oh nine.
According to the book Off the WallDeath in Yosemite, written by Michael
P. Giglieri and Charles R.Ferraby, F P. Shephard, a
resident of California and a young jjeweler, is believed to be the first
person to have disappeared in Yosemite NationalPark. On June seventeenth, nineteen oh
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nine, FP departed Glacier Point,intending to hike to the nearby Sentinel Dome.
Despite his companions turning back due toheavy fog and inclement weather, he
decided to press on. Sadly,this would be the last time he was
ever seen. It was believed thatFP had fallen off a cliff and into
a deep canyon, who had gottenlost in the fog and could not return.
(10:26):
A search party of as many astwenty five soldiers was dispatched to look
for him, but to no avail. They had gone as far as Ilouette
Falls in the Merced River, butcould not find any trace of him.
A pair of FP's gloves were foundin his lodge, and there was hope
that they would assist bloodhounds in trackinghis sin. Despite the exhaustive search effort
by the US Cavalry and the useof bloodhounds, no clues or signs of
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the missing man were ever found.Next, we have Decran Nadjian, who
disappeared in nineteen seventy two. OnJuly twenty fourth, nineteen seventy two,
Decron Nadjian, a twenty euro medicalstudent at Cambridge University in England, rented
a cabin in Yosemite during his summerbreak. He was last seen in Curry
Village, where he asked for directionsto half done. Ducran's clothes and other
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personal loggings were found in the cabin, but he was assumed to be carrying
his Pentax thirty five milimeter camera.Chief ranger of Jack Morehead said, We've
checked everything, every ride, everyconcessionaire, all the hiking trails, all
the back country areas, and wecan't locate a trace of him. It's
an awfully big park. He couldhave taken his camera out and gone off
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a trail and somehow hurt himself andwe'd never find him. A personal lad
submitted by the family's attorney, Gustavol Goldstein, to local newspapers, requested
Decron contact him or his parents asthey were quote suffering great agony, brief
and anxiety end quote over his failureto write them. To this day,
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no trace of Decron has been found. Anyone with any information has asked to
contact the National Park Service tip lineat eight eight eight sixty five three zero
zero zero nine. Next, wehave Stacy Ann Arras, who went missing
in nineteen eighty one. Stacy Arras, a fourteen year old Westmont High School
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sophomore, went on a four daycamping trip on the High Sierra Loop at
Tuolamie Medals in Yosemite National Park withher father, George. They traveled with
other campers on mules to Sunrise HighSierra Camp and arrived around three pm on
July seventeenth, nineteen eighty one.Stacy settled into her cabin and took a
shower. After that, she starteda one and a half mile high along
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the trail to Sunrise Lake to takesome photos. Jeryl Stewart, a seventy
seven year old from the group,accompanied. However, Jerald soon became tired,
so he rested and eventually returned tocamp while Stacy continued. The guy
who led the ride to Sunrise wasworking at the krow when he noticed Stacy's
standing on a rock approximately fifty yardssouth of the trail. He was reportedly
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the last person to see her.When Stacy did not return, she was
reported missing. After a brief searchof the camp site by staff, park
rangers were notified. Jerl Stewart toldpark officials that he had spoken to a
group of people coming from the directionStacey had taken, but they had not
seen Stacy. A comprehensive search effortof one hundred people at its height involved
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park rangers, volunteers, helicopters,and search dogs, but Stacy was not
found. According to a park spokesperson, although search dogs are efficient, they
are not infallible and their success dependson the wind direction and some luck,
as they have to be upwind ofthe person they are searching for. Ranger
Tom Hobecker said, it's just likeshe vanished. There are no tracks or
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no clues. It's a complete mystery. The National Guard brought in one hundred
and thirty members of the Sierra MadreSearch and Rescue Team, but they also
could not locate Stacy, the officialsearch was called off. Routine patrols continued
in the area. It's unusual usuallywe find some trace, said Park Service
official Linda Abbott. The Park Servicesaid that foul play was ruled out.
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They also said that Stacy might havehiked to a road and left the park.
A search volunteer said there are manyplaces where a body could slip in
if she was injured, she couldhave crept under a ledge or into a
hollow tree to escape night temperatures,which were near freezing at the time of
Stacy's disappearance. To this day,Stacy has never been found. The National
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Park Service does not mention her cameraor Lyn's cap being found, as cited
in some sources. Ranger Bob Johnsonsaid three words regarding the search outcome for
Stacy. Quote nothing significant found endquote. Anyone with any information is asked
to contact the National Park Service tipline at eight eight eight sixty five three
zero zero zero nine Next. TimothyJohn Barnes, who dis hear from Yosemite
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in nineteen eighty eight. On Julyfive, nineteen eighty eight, twenty four
year old California resident Timothy John Barnesleft Tenaya Lake east of Tioga Road per
day hike to Polydome Lakes in theYosemite High Country. The last known siding
of it was around nine am nearthe Murphy Creek trailhead. He failed to
return that afternoon, as companions reporthim missing the following day. According to
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National Park spokesperson Mary Anne Hamilton,for seven days, over one hundred and
seventy people, helicopters with infrared equipmentand canines combed the area for the missing
hiker, ultimately with no trace ofTimothy being found. A Park Service spokesman
announced, we're scaling back the searchand demobilizing the search teams because we haven't
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found even the slightest clue of hiswhereabouts. Officials added investigators will check out
any leads we get any time inthe future. To this day, Timothy
has never been found. Anyone withany information has asked. Police attacked the
National Park Service tip line at eighteight eight sixty five three zero zero zero
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nine. Next David Paul Morrison,who went missing in the park in nineteen
ninety eight. A Memorial Day innineteen ninety eight, twenty eight year old
experienced hiker, David Paul Morrison tooka solo hike to Half Dome in Yosemite
National Park. He planned to meethis girlfriend as a trailhead later that day
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after departing Curry Village. However,as night fell and David was nowhere to
be found, his girlfriend grew increasinglyworried and reported missing to the authorities.
She also contacted David's parents to informthem of his disappearance. At around ten
pm that same night, David waslast saint talking to a group of hikers
on an outward bound expedition in YosemiteValley at around seven to fifteen am.
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He asked for directions to Half Domeand mentioned that the cloud cover was very
thick. The hike from Yosemite Valleyto Half Dome is a challenge using fourteen
to sixteen mile trek with steep endclients. The following day, David was
still missing. A search party consistingof seventy five people, five K nine
teams, and a California Highway Patrolhelicopter scoured the area in search of him.
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Initially, David's mother and stepfather participatedin the search, but his father
and brother joined soon after due tounfavorable weather conditions and the need to rescue
two stranded climbers near El Captine's Pete. The search for David was impeded.
Despite the best efforts of the searchteam, David remained missing. After a
week of searching, the search wascalled off as there were no signs have
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been found. David remains missing tothis day. Anyone with any information is
asked to contact the National Park Servicetip line at eight eight eight six five
three zero zero zero nine. Nextup, we have Kieran Burke who went
missing in two thousand. Kieran Burke, a forty five the old experienced hiker
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from Ireland, was hiking in YosemiteNational Park from April fourth through the sixth
in the year two thousand. Thelast confirmed sighting of him was on April
fifth, two thousand, at CurryVillage and it's believed he's on his way
to hike a loan, said parkspokesperson Christine cows Kieren called his wife Mino
the day disappeared, and that wasthe last time anyone heard from him.
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On April sixth, two thousand,Kieran was reported missing by the park staff
when they noticed he had not checkedout. The weather in Yosemite was bright
and warm during the initial days afterKieren's disappearance. However, later in the
week storms brought a mix of snowand rain, which complicated the search efforts.
According to Cols, Kieren's tent stillcontained his belongings. His rental vehicle
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was found in a parking lot inCurry Village. After twelve days, officials
had to put the search for Kierenon hold. Mike Durr, one of
the rangers who coordinated the search,said the area we're trying to search is
much too vast. Officials said thesearch with resume if they could find out
where Karen was headed in the park. Kieren's brother Lorcan, who flew from
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Ireland and participated in the search,said I haven't fully gone through the possibility
of not coming home with him.I feel like I'll be looking for him
for the rest of my life.To this day, Kieran has never been
found. Anyone with any information regardinghis whereabouts of disappearance is asked to police
contact the National Park Service tip lineat eight eight eight six five three zero
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zero zero nine. Next, wehave Ruth Anne Rupert, who also went
missing in the year two thousand.Forty nine year old Ruth Anne Rupert,
an avid hiker and backpacker living inSouth Daytona, Florida, arrived in Yosemite
National Park on August eighth, twothousand or an organized thirty mile backpacking trip,
and was last seen on August fourteen, either at the Yosemite Medical Clinic
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or Curry Village. She had joinedother hikers who convinced her to go to
the park's medical cl due to infection. Ruth Anne went to the clinic,
but the other hikers had already leftwhen she returned. Ruth Anne's relatives reported
missing on September eleven after she failedto return from her trip. According to
Ryce Santos, a spokesperson for thepark, ruth Anne was last seen at
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the medical clinic on the morning ofAugust fourteen. Records indicate that she checked
into a tent cabin at Curry Villagearound noon that day. After ruth Ann
was reported missing, her purple Kiarental car back to their belongings, was
found at Curry Village on September eleven. According to spokesperson Santos, some campers
at one of ruth Ane's campsites reportingthat she had expressed interest in exploring Indian
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Canyon and Snow Creek Trail to theeast of Yosemite Falls. It's possible that
she might have gone in that direction, but we really don't have indication whether
she did or not, said Santos. We have not found anyone who actually
saw her leave her camp. Searchteams conducted daily searches of Yosemite Valley with
the help of search dogs and helicopters. Despite their efforts, ruth Ann remained
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missing, and officials were forced toscale down the search due to the considerable
amount of time that had passed sinceshe was last seen. At this point,
there's no place where we can pinpointthe search, folksperson, Santos said,
We've been focusing on areas where peopleare known to get into trouble.
Ruth Ann's backpack was found in twothousand and eight in the Fireplace Creek drainage
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along the hiking route from Yosemite Fallsto Forrest. Sadly, ruth Ann has
never been found. If you haveany information about her disappearance, please contact
the National Park Service tip line ateight eight eight sixty five three zero zero
zero nine. Next up, wehave George Pink, who went missing from
Yosemite in twenty eleven. On Juneseventeenth, twenty eleven, thirty year old
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George Pankett went on a hike withabout twenty members of his church group on
the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Duringthe trip back, he separated from the
group and the other members assumed hehad gone ahead. However, when he
failed to return, he was reportedmissing. The weather conditions during the weekend
were mild, with overnight temperatures aboveforty degrees fahrenheit. A team of approximately
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one hundred and five search and rescuepersonnel from various parts of the state,
along with search dogs and a dozenhelicopters, conducted a full scale search to
find George. The search efforts werecontinuous and extensive, but unfortunately, they
yielded no results. After searching foralmost a week, no clues were found
regarding George's whereabouts. The officials sadlyannounced they would reduce the search to a
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limited, continuous mode. Since hisdisappearance, his bank account has remained unused,
and no trace of his bag,clothes, or remains have been found.
The authorities have not released any evidenceof foul play. George remains missing
and if you have any information toshare you're asked to police. Contact the
National Park Service tip line at eighteight eight sixty five three zero zero zero
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nine. Next up. Peter Jackson, who disappeared in twenty sixteen. On
September seventeen, twenty sixteen, PeterJackson, a seventy four year old avid
hiker in exceptional physical health, senta text message to his son stating he
was on his way to Yosemite NationalPark. He set up camp at White
Wolf Campground and paid for his reservationthrough September twenty one, when he planned
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to return home. Peter planned tospend several days camping at the White Wolf
Campground and take some day hikes intothe California Wilderness. His scheduled departure from
the campground was on September twenty one, twenty sixteen, but he never checked
out. On September twenty six Peterwas reported missing. The last contact he
had with anyone was on September seventeen, when he texted us about his plans.
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His vehicle was located at the campground. A search was conducted to find
Peter, but on October two,twenty sixteen, the search was placed in
continuous limited mode due to a lackof new clues and incoming income at weather.
Scott Gentleman, a park spokesperson,said, Unfortunately, we have not
been able to locate mister Jackson.We've had an act of search effort with
search dogs, airplanes, a lotof folks on the trail, we have
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not found him. In August twentynineteen, Peter's backpack was found in the
Akerson Meadow Aspen Valley area on thewest side of Yosemite National Park. Unfortunately,
Peter has never been found. Anyonewith any information says to police contact
the National Park Service tip line ateight day eight six five three zero zero
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zero nine. And lastly, JoelThomasin, who went missing in twenty twenty
one. Joel Thomasin, a thirtyone year old hiker and Army reservist,
started a solo hiking trip on Septembersixth, twenty twenty one. He planned
a hike from hetch Hetchee to LakeEleanor for fishing, and returned to hetch
Hetchee by September ninth, twenty twentyone. However, it is possible that
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he decided to prolong his trip toCherry Lake or explore the north or east
areas of the Grand Canyon of theZuaomie River. A park ranger so,
I'm on the first day of hishike near a s deep section of O'Shaughnessy
Dam, which is believed to bethe last known sighting of Joel. When
Joel was two days overdue from histrip, he was declared missing by park
officials. Search efforts included National ParkService officials, helicopters, kayaks, boats,
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and search dogs. Missing cursing flyerswere also posted long Highways one,
O eight and three ninety five.In October twenty twenty one, the search
was reduced to a continuous limited mode. Joel's father, Stephen, believed he
may have gone off trail because ofhis military background and familiarity with the area.
Joel's best friend had recently passed away, and when another friend passed away
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in a fishing accident, Joel alsowent backpacking to clear his head. Stephen
Thomson said he was looking forward togoing out to seek God and to talk
to God from his history of doingthat. When one of his friends passed
away, it wasn't odd, itwasn't out of character, and it wasn't
out of depression. Joel has neverbeen found, and memorial service was held
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for himed on December fourth, twentytwenty one. If you have any information
regarding Joel's disappearance, please contact theNational Park Service tipline at eight eight eight
sixty five three zero zero zero nineno before you go. In order to
have a safe and enjoyable visit toYosemite National Park, it's crucial to ensure
you're well prepared beforehand. This includeschecking the weather, bringing appropriate gear and
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supplies, and being aware of anypotential hazards in the area. Yosemite welcomes
millions of visitors from April to October, with the Yosemite Valley being the most
popular spot. However, the parkhas many other beautiful locations to explore.
While it is not necessary to makereservations to enter Yosemite, is strongly recommended
to do so for lodging, camping, and backpacking. The Park Service suggests
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arriving before nine am or after fivepm to avoid traffic. It's essential to
recognize that wildlife should be left alone. Do not approach or feed wild animals.
Avoid any behavior that can disturb orendanger the animals or their natural habitat.
Be sure to practice proper food storageand adequately disposed of all trash.
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Obey post its fed limits, usepullouts to take pictures and allow other vehicles
to pass when stopping for photos.Remember that cell service may be limited in
the park, making it difficult toreceive calls or text. It is recommended
that you carry a headlamp, whistle, map, compass, and flashlight with
you on every hike, even ifit's just a short day hike. A
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personal locator beacon is also a goodidea. Additionally, make sure to take
and drink plenty of water. Wearingsturdy footwear with good traction can help to
prevent ankle injuries. It's also crucialto remember that even minor or moderate health
or medical issues can be easily exacerbatedby hiking up steep valley trails. Know
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your limits, and pay attention tohow you're feeling. When hiking, it's
important to stay on the established trail. If you're hiking in a group,
it's recommended that each group member carrysome food and water in case the party
becomes separated. Additionally, it's agood idea to plan where to meet if
the members become separated. In conclusion, Yosemite National Park stands as a breathtaking
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testament to the raw beauty and untamedgrandeur of nature. Its iconic granite cliffs,
pristine lakes, tiring waterfalls, andlush valleys create a landscape that captivates
the hearts and imaginations of maids ofvisitors each year. From the awe inspiring
vistas of Half Dome and El Capitainto the tranquil serenity of Mirror Lake,
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every corner of Yosemite offers a uniqueand unforgettable experience. However, amidst its
beauty lies a reminder of the delicatebalance between humans and the natural world.
Yosemite's wonders are not without their dangers, from treacherous hiking trails to unpredictable weather
conditions, the park demands the utmostrespecting caution from its explorers. The towering
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heights and roaring waterfalls that inspire awealso serve as a reminder of the sheer
power and unpredictability of nature. Well, friends, there you have it.
What do you think of these casesfrom Yosemite National Park? I look forward
to your comments, but please keepit friendly and respectful until we meet again.
Be good to yourselves and each otherand stay safe out there. As
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for me, I'll see a littlefurther on down the trail. I'm Steve
Stockton and I'll talk to you nexttime. And please tell your animals I
said hi.
Hello friends, Steve Stockton here withyou. Welcome to our latest episode.
In this video, we'll explore someof the history and legends of Yosemite National
Park, as well as cases ofhikers who went missing and were never found
there. Join me, let's walkand see. Yosemite National Park is a
popular tourist destination, welcoming approximately fourmillion visitors annually from all over the world.
(00:26):
The park is renowned for its stunningnatural wonders, including the tallest waterfall
in North America, Yosemite Falls,as well as granite domes, meadows,
and spectacular high country lakes. YosemiteNational Park covers an incredible seven hundred and
forty seven nine hundred and fifty sixacres in California's Central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
(00:47):
Almost ninety five percent of the parkis designated as federal wilderness. The
park's landscape is a testament to thecooperation and conflicts between different cultures which led
to the creation of the park weknow in love today. Yosemite Valley in
California was initially inhabited by Native Americans. However, the gold Rush of eighteen
forty nine resulted in severe environmental damageand a significant increase in the number of
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settlers and tourists. In eighteen sixtyfour, to prevent commercial exploitation, Yosemite
Valley and Mariposa Grove were declared apublic Trust of California. This was a
significant achievement as it marked the firsttime the U. S Government had taken
steps to protect land for public enjoyment, which laid the foundation for the creation
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of national and state park systems.On October one, eighteen ninety, Congress
passed an act that created Yosemite NationalPark. John Muir, environmental activists,
and his colleagues, advocated for thiscongressional act, which was signed into law
by then President Benjamin Harrison. Thispaved the way for generations of hikers,
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campers, and nature enthusiasts to appreciatethe park. Here are some legends associated
with Yosemite Now. Humans to populatedthe area of Yosemite for at least eight
thousand years. Archaeological evidence suggests thatthe first occupants use small flat stones to
grind seeds and hunted using spears andat lattles. Awani, which means gaping
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mouth like place, was a namegiven to Yosemite Valley. The people who
lived there, called themselves awa Nische. Over time, the ways of life
of the early inhabitants changed as culturesreplaced one another in oral histories and traditions
were passed down through generations. Theselegends, rooted in the cultural heritage of
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the indigenous people and the natural wondersof Yosemite, contribute to the mythical and
spiritual significance of the park and continueto be part of its cultural fabric.
The legend of Poho no Spirit ofthe Evil Wind. On a beautiful early
spring day long ago, the womenof Alwani were gathering fruits and berries while
the men hunted in the forest.It was on this day that the legend
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of Pohono, or the Spirit ofthe Evil Wind, came to be.
Three of the Awanichi women wandered alonga trail above the valley to a spot
where the mist from the waterfall flutteredbelow. They blissfully laughed together as they
filled their baskets with grasses for basketry, until their joy, unexpecially ceased with
the emergence of the mocking whale ofPonoho. The youngest of the three women
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stepped on a moss covered rock andmoved closer to the cliff's edge to pick
a wisp of overhanging grass. Asthe others shouted a warning, the Pohono
grabbed her and threw onto the rocksbelow. She looked at her peers with
a face full of tear, andin the next moment she was gone.
The two remaining women hurried down thesteep path and formed the others about the
tragic event at the cliff's edge.They searched for the missing woman until nightfall,
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but found no trace of her.According to the legend, the woman's
spirit joined Pohono and would not restuntil another victim met their doom. Since
then, the awa nichi hurried pastthe waterfall, and no one would sleep
within sight of it out of fearbeing swept away to a spirit land of
torture and unrest. Tanaya Canyon TanayaLake was named after Chief Tenaya, the
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last Native American chief in Yosemite.In the eighteen fifties, a group of
armed settlers tried to force Chief Danayaand his tribe out of the valley and
relocate them to a reservation near Fresno. During the conflict, the chief's son
was slain, which enraged him andled him to condemn the battalion captain and
all settlers who tried to enter thecanyon. Even John Muir, who is
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considered the father of national parks,experienced the curse's fury when he was knocked
unconscious after experiencing a dangerous fall.The canyon has been the site of numerous
rescues, leading park rangers to dubbitthe Bermuda Triangle of Yosemite. In an
email statement to s F Gate,Yosemite spokesperson Scott Gedeman wrote, Yosemite National
Park officials acknowledged the stories and legendssurrounding Tanaya Canyon, However, the park
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has no official position on them.The Ghosts of Grouse Lake. In eighteen
six sixty seven, Galen Clark becamethe first civilian guardian of Yosemite National Park
and patrolled the park for two decades. During September eighteen fifty seven, Clark
took a walk to Grause Lake,an alpine lake located eight miles from present
day side of Wawona. While restingby the shore, he heard a distinct
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whaling cry similar to that of alost k nine Clark joined a group of
Native Americans at their hunting camp thatnight to inquire about the whaling sound he
had heard. They advised him thatit was not a dog, but the
spirit of a young boy who haddrowned in the lake. The try urged
him not to go near the lakeor risk being caught by the legs and
pulled under to his demise by thespirit of the deceased boy. Where is
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Elmer? The following tale is presentedin a National Park Service blog post by
a Yosemite Park ranger known as Ar. Ar states that one of the more
modern and bizarre questions ask in YosemiteValley today is where is Elmer? Yosemite
campers have been haunted by voices echoingthrough the campgrounds going out for Elmer since
at least the nineteen thirties. Elmeris a mysterious phenomena typically observed during summer
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nights. Its origins remain unconfirmed,and the National Park Service has not officially
endorsed it. According to AR,when someone calls out for Elmer, it
is usually an adult male hoping toelicit a response from another camper. This
call is often answered by someone usingthe same loud and unpleasant tone of voice.
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Soon, a group of children joinin seemingly coerced into participating by social
pressure or some primitive human instinct.Ar says, when children are asked why
they yell Elmer, most of themrespond because everyone else was doing it.
On the other hand, the personwho started the whole thing would say,
because we used to do it allthe time when I was a kid.
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In nineteen sixty one, Lewis G. Karcher, a park ranger, attempted
to explain the phenomenon known as Elmerin an article he wrote for Yosemite Nature
Notes. According to ranger Karterer,some campers believe that Elmer was a bear
that frequently visits to the campgrounds insearch of food. Others speculated that the
children in the campground were fond ofthe elusive creature and named it Elmer.
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However, neither Ranger, Karser norar found these explanations convincing. In the
nineteen seventies, Henry W. Splitterinvestigated the Elmer sightings in Yosemite campgrounds.
Elmer was a World War One nicknamefor DERELK soldier, and the phrase whereas
Elmer, may have spread the civiliansafter the war. A comedy movie called
(07:28):
Elmer the Great was released in nineteenthirty three. In the film, characters
repeatedly shout out for Elmer in thedarkness. Ar says it's possible that someone
inspired by the film started calling outto name Elmer at Knight, creating a
trend that continued to grow. Ina written account by Francis Parker Robinson,
a long time Yosemite camper, isreported that a recently engaged young man named
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Elmer missed the celebration for his engagementwhile camping with his family in nineteen thirty
seven, which led to his familyand other campers to call out for him
repeatedly. Elmer returned ashamed, andArranger reprimanded his family for their behavior.
Yosemite historian Shirley Sargent was informed aboutthis incident by Robinson. Ar writes that
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Henry W. Splitter communicated with EdwardW. Sarin, who worked as a
water boy in the Valley campgrounds inthe nineteen thirties. Before running water was
installed, someone had to carry bucketsfrom the river to campsites, and Sarron
was paid to bring water to campers. In nineteen thirty seven, a young
boy began calling Edward Sarin Elmer,mister Sarm believed it was likely due the
popularity of the film Elmer. TheGreat ar concludes by saying, regardless of
(08:37):
the origin, we will likely alwayshave more questions and answers surrounding the enigmatic
character known as Elmer. Nevertheless,if you find yourself camping in Yosemite,
don't be surprised if you hear thename Elmer reverberating throughout your campsite during the
night and now. Missing person casesfrom Yosemite rock falls are the most powerful
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jill force shaping Yosemite Valley today.Although rock falls are relatively uncommon, several
occur in Yosemite Valley each year.They are dangerous and can cause injury or
death, and on the upper pitches, inclement weather often means impromptu waterfalls and
water fueling down the cracks from brainor melting eyes. The areas around Camp
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five and six and above are particularlyvulnerable to run off. Yosemite National Park
boasts over eight hundred miles of hikingtrails and has been the site of numerous
search and rescue missions to locate missinghikers, with over thirty cases since nineteen
oh nine. Each year, parkrangers and search and rescue personnel respond to
approximately two hundred and fifty emergency incidentsin the park. Here are some of
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the missing F. P. Shepherd, who went missing in nineteen oh nine.
According to the book Off the WallDeath in Yosemite, written by Michael
P. Giglieri and Charles R.Ferraby, F P. Shephard, a
resident of California and a young jjeweler, is believed to be the first
person to have disappeared in Yosemite NationalPark. On June seventeenth, nineteen oh
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nine, FP departed Glacier Point,intending to hike to the nearby Sentinel Dome.
Despite his companions turning back due toheavy fog and inclement weather, he
decided to press on. Sadly,this would be the last time he was
ever seen. It was believed thatFP had fallen off a cliff and into
a deep canyon, who had gottenlost in the fog and could not return.
(10:26):
A search party of as many astwenty five soldiers was dispatched to look
for him, but to no avail. They had gone as far as Ilouette
Falls in the Merced River, butcould not find any trace of him.
A pair of FP's gloves were foundin his lodge, and there was hope
that they would assist bloodhounds in trackinghis sin. Despite the exhaustive search effort
by the US Cavalry and the useof bloodhounds, no clues or signs of
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the missing man were ever found.Next, we have Decran Nadjian, who
disappeared in nineteen seventy two. OnJuly twenty fourth, nineteen seventy two,
Decron Nadjian, a twenty euro medicalstudent at Cambridge University in England, rented
a cabin in Yosemite during his summerbreak. He was last seen in Curry
Village, where he asked for directionsto half done. Ducran's clothes and other
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personal loggings were found in the cabin, but he was assumed to be carrying
his Pentax thirty five milimeter camera.Chief ranger of Jack Morehead said, We've
checked everything, every ride, everyconcessionaire, all the hiking trails, all
the back country areas, and wecan't locate a trace of him. It's
an awfully big park. He couldhave taken his camera out and gone off
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a trail and somehow hurt himself andwe'd never find him. A personal lad
submitted by the family's attorney, Gustavol Goldstein, to local newspapers, requested
Decron contact him or his parents asthey were quote suffering great agony, brief
and anxiety end quote over his failureto write them. To this day,
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no trace of Decron has been found. Anyone with any information has asked to
contact the National Park Service tip lineat eight eight eight sixty five three zero
zero zero nine. Next, wehave Stacy Ann Arras, who went missing
in nineteen eighty one. Stacy Arras, a fourteen year old Westmont High School
(12:18):
sophomore, went on a four daycamping trip on the High Sierra Loop at
Tuolamie Medals in Yosemite National Park withher father, George. They traveled with
other campers on mules to Sunrise HighSierra Camp and arrived around three pm on
July seventeenth, nineteen eighty one.Stacy settled into her cabin and took a
shower. After that, she starteda one and a half mile high along
(12:39):
the trail to Sunrise Lake to takesome photos. Jeryl Stewart, a seventy
seven year old from the group,accompanied. However, Jerald soon became tired,
so he rested and eventually returned tocamp while Stacy continued. The guy
who led the ride to Sunrise wasworking at the krow when he noticed Stacy's
standing on a rock approximately fifty yardssouth of the trail. He was reportedly
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the last person to see her.When Stacy did not return, she was
reported missing. After a brief searchof the camp site by staff, park
rangers were notified. Jerl Stewart toldpark officials that he had spoken to a
group of people coming from the directionStacey had taken, but they had not
seen Stacy. A comprehensive search effortof one hundred people at its height involved
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park rangers, volunteers, helicopters,and search dogs, but Stacy was not
found. According to a park spokesperson, although search dogs are efficient, they
are not infallible and their success dependson the wind direction and some luck,
as they have to be upwind ofthe person they are searching for. Ranger
Tom Hobecker said, it's just likeshe vanished. There are no tracks or
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no clues. It's a complete mystery. The National Guard brought in one hundred
and thirty members of the Sierra MadreSearch and Rescue Team, but they also
could not locate Stacy, the officialsearch was called off. Routine patrols continued
in the area. It's unusual usuallywe find some trace, said Park Service
official Linda Abbott. The Park Servicesaid that foul play was ruled out.
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They also said that Stacy might havehiked to a road and left the park.
A search volunteer said there are manyplaces where a body could slip in
if she was injured, she couldhave crept under a ledge or into a
hollow tree to escape night temperatures,which were near freezing at the time of
Stacy's disappearance. To this day,Stacy has never been found. The National
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Park Service does not mention her cameraor Lyn's cap being found, as cited
in some sources. Ranger Bob Johnsonsaid three words regarding the search outcome for
Stacy. Quote nothing significant found endquote. Anyone with any information is asked
to contact the National Park Service tipline at eight eight eight sixty five three
zero zero zero nine Next. TimothyJohn Barnes, who dis hear from Yosemite
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in nineteen eighty eight. On Julyfive, nineteen eighty eight, twenty four
year old California resident Timothy John Barnesleft Tenaya Lake east of Tioga Road per
day hike to Polydome Lakes in theYosemite High Country. The last known siding
of it was around nine am nearthe Murphy Creek trailhead. He failed to
return that afternoon, as companions reporthim missing the following day. According to
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National Park spokesperson Mary Anne Hamilton,for seven days, over one hundred and
seventy people, helicopters with infrared equipmentand canines combed the area for the missing
hiker, ultimately with no trace ofTimothy being found. A Park Service spokesman
announced, we're scaling back the searchand demobilizing the search teams because we haven't
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found even the slightest clue of hiswhereabouts. Officials added investigators will check out
any leads we get any time inthe future. To this day, Timothy
has never been found. Anyone withany information has asked. Police attacked the
National Park Service tip line at eighteight eight sixty five three zero zero zero
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nine. Next David Paul Morrison,who went missing in the park in nineteen
ninety eight. A Memorial Day innineteen ninety eight, twenty eight year old
experienced hiker, David Paul Morrison tooka solo hike to Half Dome in Yosemite
National Park. He planned to meethis girlfriend as a trailhead later that day
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after departing Curry Village. However,as night fell and David was nowhere to
be found, his girlfriend grew increasinglyworried and reported missing to the authorities.
She also contacted David's parents to informthem of his disappearance. At around ten
pm that same night, David waslast saint talking to a group of hikers
on an outward bound expedition in YosemiteValley at around seven to fifteen am.
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He asked for directions to Half Domeand mentioned that the cloud cover was very
thick. The hike from Yosemite Valleyto Half Dome is a challenge using fourteen
to sixteen mile trek with steep endclients. The following day, David was
still missing. A search party consistingof seventy five people, five K nine
teams, and a California Highway Patrolhelicopter scoured the area in search of him.
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Initially, David's mother and stepfather participatedin the search, but his father
and brother joined soon after due tounfavorable weather conditions and the need to rescue
two stranded climbers near El Captine's Pete. The search for David was impeded.
Despite the best efforts of the searchteam, David remained missing. After a
week of searching, the search wascalled off as there were no signs have
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been found. David remains missing tothis day. Anyone with any information is
asked to contact the National Park Servicetip line at eight eight eight six five
three zero zero zero nine. Nextup, we have Kieran Burke who went
missing in two thousand. Kieran Burke, a forty five the old experienced hiker
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from Ireland, was hiking in YosemiteNational Park from April fourth through the sixth
in the year two thousand. Thelast confirmed sighting of him was on April
fifth, two thousand, at CurryVillage and it's believed he's on his way
to hike a loan, said parkspokesperson Christine cows Kieren called his wife Mino
the day disappeared, and that wasthe last time anyone heard from him.
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On April sixth, two thousand,Kieran was reported missing by the park staff
when they noticed he had not checkedout. The weather in Yosemite was bright
and warm during the initial days afterKieren's disappearance. However, later in the
week storms brought a mix of snowand rain, which complicated the search efforts.
According to Cols, Kieren's tent stillcontained his belongings. His rental vehicle
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was found in a parking lot inCurry Village. After twelve days, officials
had to put the search for Kierenon hold. Mike Durr, one of
the rangers who coordinated the search,said the area we're trying to search is
much too vast. Officials said thesearch with resume if they could find out
where Karen was headed in the park. Kieren's brother Lorcan, who flew from
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Ireland and participated in the search,said I haven't fully gone through the possibility
of not coming home with him.I feel like I'll be looking for him
for the rest of my life.To this day, Kieran has never been
found. Anyone with any information regardinghis whereabouts of disappearance is asked to police
contact the National Park Service tip lineat eight eight eight six five three zero
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zero zero nine. Next, wehave Ruth Anne Rupert, who also went
missing in the year two thousand.Forty nine year old Ruth Anne Rupert,
an avid hiker and backpacker living inSouth Daytona, Florida, arrived in Yosemite
National Park on August eighth, twothousand or an organized thirty mile backpacking trip,
and was last seen on August fourteen, either at the Yosemite Medical Clinic
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or Curry Village. She had joinedother hikers who convinced her to go to
the park's medical cl due to infection. Ruth Anne went to the clinic,
but the other hikers had already leftwhen she returned. Ruth Anne's relatives reported
missing on September eleven after she failedto return from her trip. According to
Ryce Santos, a spokesperson for thepark, ruth Anne was last seen at
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the medical clinic on the morning ofAugust fourteen. Records indicate that she checked
into a tent cabin at Curry Villagearound noon that day. After ruth Ann
was reported missing, her purple Kiarental car back to their belongings, was
found at Curry Village on September eleven. According to spokesperson Santos, some campers
at one of ruth Ane's campsites reportingthat she had expressed interest in exploring Indian
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Canyon and Snow Creek Trail to theeast of Yosemite Falls. It's possible that
she might have gone in that direction, but we really don't have indication whether
she did or not, said Santos. We have not found anyone who actually
saw her leave her camp. Searchteams conducted daily searches of Yosemite Valley with
the help of search dogs and helicopters. Despite their efforts, ruth Ann remained
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missing, and officials were forced toscale down the search due to the considerable
amount of time that had passed sinceshe was last seen. At this point,
there's no place where we can pinpointthe search, folksperson, Santos said,
We've been focusing on areas where peopleare known to get into trouble.
Ruth Ann's backpack was found in twothousand and eight in the Fireplace Creek drainage
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along the hiking route from Yosemite Fallsto Forrest. Sadly, ruth Ann has
never been found. If you haveany information about her disappearance, please contact
the National Park Service tip line ateight eight eight sixty five three zero zero
zero nine. Next up, wehave George Pink, who went missing from
Yosemite in twenty eleven. On Juneseventeenth, twenty eleven, thirty year old
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George Pankett went on a hike withabout twenty members of his church group on
the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Duringthe trip back, he separated from the
group and the other members assumed hehad gone ahead. However, when he
failed to return, he was reportedmissing. The weather conditions during the weekend
were mild, with overnight temperatures aboveforty degrees fahrenheit. A team of approximately
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one hundred and five search and rescuepersonnel from various parts of the state,
along with search dogs and a dozenhelicopters, conducted a full scale search to
find George. The search efforts werecontinuous and extensive, but unfortunately, they
yielded no results. After searching foralmost a week, no clues were found
regarding George's whereabouts. The officials sadlyannounced they would reduce the search to a
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limited, continuous mode. Since hisdisappearance, his bank account has remained unused,
and no trace of his bag,clothes, or remains have been found.
The authorities have not released any evidenceof foul play. George remains missing
and if you have any information toshare you're asked to police. Contact the
National Park Service tip line at eighteight eight sixty five three zero zero zero
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nine. Next up. Peter Jackson, who disappeared in twenty sixteen. On
September seventeen, twenty sixteen, PeterJackson, a seventy four year old avid
hiker in exceptional physical health, senta text message to his son stating he
was on his way to Yosemite NationalPark. He set up camp at White
Wolf Campground and paid for his reservationthrough September twenty one, when he planned
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to return home. Peter planned tospend several days camping at the White Wolf
Campground and take some day hikes intothe California Wilderness. His scheduled departure from
the campground was on September twenty one, twenty sixteen, but he never checked
out. On September twenty six Peterwas reported missing. The last contact he
had with anyone was on September seventeen, when he texted us about his plans.
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His vehicle was located at the campground. A search was conducted to find
Peter, but on October two,twenty sixteen, the search was placed in
continuous limited mode due to a lackof new clues and incoming income at weather.
Scott Gentleman, a park spokesperson,said, Unfortunately, we have not
been able to locate mister Jackson.We've had an act of search effort with
search dogs, airplanes, a lotof folks on the trail, we have
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not found him. In August twentynineteen, Peter's backpack was found in the
Akerson Meadow Aspen Valley area on thewest side of Yosemite National Park. Unfortunately,
Peter has never been found. Anyonewith any information says to police contact
the National Park Service tip line ateight day eight six five three zero zero
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zero nine. And lastly, JoelThomasin, who went missing in twenty twenty
one. Joel Thomasin, a thirtyone year old hiker and Army reservist,
started a solo hiking trip on Septembersixth, twenty twenty one. He planned
a hike from hetch Hetchee to LakeEleanor for fishing, and returned to hetch
Hetchee by September ninth, twenty twentyone. However, it is possible that
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he decided to prolong his trip toCherry Lake or explore the north or east
areas of the Grand Canyon of theZuaomie River. A park ranger so,
I'm on the first day of hishike near a s deep section of O'Shaughnessy
Dam, which is believed to bethe last known sighting of Joel. When
Joel was two days overdue from histrip, he was declared missing by park
officials. Search efforts included National ParkService officials, helicopters, kayaks, boats,
(25:15):
and search dogs. Missing cursing flyerswere also posted long Highways one,
O eight and three ninety five.In October twenty twenty one, the search
was reduced to a continuous limited mode. Joel's father, Stephen, believed he
may have gone off trail because ofhis military background and familiarity with the area.
Joel's best friend had recently passed away, and when another friend passed away
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in a fishing accident, Joel alsowent backpacking to clear his head. Stephen
Thomson said he was looking forward togoing out to seek God and to talk
to God from his history of doingthat. When one of his friends passed
away, it wasn't odd, itwasn't out of character, and it wasn't
out of depression. Joel has neverbeen found, and memorial service was held
(25:59):
for himed on December fourth, twentytwenty one. If you have any information
regarding Joel's disappearance, please contact theNational Park Service tipline at eight eight eight
sixty five three zero zero zero nineno before you go. In order to
have a safe and enjoyable visit toYosemite National Park, it's crucial to ensure
you're well prepared beforehand. This includeschecking the weather, bringing appropriate gear and
(26:25):
supplies, and being aware of anypotential hazards in the area. Yosemite welcomes
millions of visitors from April to October, with the Yosemite Valley being the most
popular spot. However, the parkhas many other beautiful locations to explore.
While it is not necessary to makereservations to enter Yosemite, is strongly recommended
to do so for lodging, camping, and backpacking. The Park Service suggests
(26:48):
arriving before nine am or after fivepm to avoid traffic. It's essential to
recognize that wildlife should be left alone. Do not approach or feed wild animals.
Avoid any behavior that can disturb orendanger the animals or their natural habitat.
Be sure to practice proper food storageand adequately disposed of all trash.
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Obey post its fed limits, usepullouts to take pictures and allow other vehicles
to pass when stopping for photos.Remember that cell service may be limited in
the park, making it difficult toreceive calls or text. It is recommended
that you carry a headlamp, whistle, map, compass, and flashlight with
you on every hike, even ifit's just a short day hike. A
(27:33):
personal locator beacon is also a goodidea. Additionally, make sure to take
and drink plenty of water. Wearingsturdy footwear with good traction can help to
prevent ankle injuries. It's also crucialto remember that even minor or moderate health
or medical issues can be easily exacerbatedby hiking up steep valley trails. Know
(27:56):
your limits, and pay attention tohow you're feeling. When hiking, it's
important to stay on the established trail. If you're hiking in a group,
it's recommended that each group member carrysome food and water in case the party
becomes separated. Additionally, it's agood idea to plan where to meet if
the members become separated. In conclusion, Yosemite National Park stands as a breathtaking
(28:19):
testament to the raw beauty and untamedgrandeur of nature. Its iconic granite cliffs,
pristine lakes, tiring waterfalls, andlush valleys create a landscape that captivates
the hearts and imaginations of maids ofvisitors each year. From the awe inspiring
vistas of Half Dome and El Capitainto the tranquil serenity of Mirror Lake,
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every corner of Yosemite offers a uniqueand unforgettable experience. However, amidst its
beauty lies a reminder of the delicatebalance between humans and the natural world.
Yosemite's wonders are not without their dangers, from treacherous hiking trails to unpredictable weather
conditions, the park demands the utmostrespecting caution from its explorers. The towering
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heights and roaring waterfalls that inspire awealso serve as a reminder of the sheer
power and unpredictability of nature. Well, friends, there you have it.
What do you think of these casesfrom Yosemite National Park? I look forward
to your comments, but please keepit friendly and respectful until we meet again.
Be good to yourselves and each otherand stay safe out there. As
(29:25):
for me, I'll see a littlefurther on down the trail. I'm Steve
Stockton and I'll talk to you nexttime. And please tell your animals I
said hi.
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