Memories of Park Life
My first national park experience was in the early 50's when my parents would take may sister and I each summer for vacation in Yosemite Valley. We stayed in tent #494 in Curry Village, climbed the boulders in the area and hiked a few trails. I especially remember our lunches along streambeds of Ritz Crackers, Velveeta Cheese, and Motts Nectars. The Stellar Jays always stole my crackers! We went on a burro picnic from the Valley Stables to Housekeeping Camp. I was afraid because I road "mama" who's young one came along and kept trying to nurse while we road. I thought it was trying to nip my toes. I cried the whole way. I loved the smell of Yosemite - the "mountain misery" baking in the sun on a hot day in the south area of the park; the pine needles; campfires in the campgrounds.......the wind in the pines; owls in the trees and Stellar Jays screeching.
Later, after high school, I went to work for the concessioner in Yosemite Valley. I held many different jobs, but especially liked working at White Wolf High Sierra Camp as a Camp Helper. I later met my husband in Yosemite National Park. He was a Ranger in the Wawona District at the South end of the Park. I thought he was especially handsome as he patrolled on horseback in his uniform! We've been together 25 years and have have had the pleasure of living under Yosemite Falls in one of the 1930 Ranger houses; and living and working in Grand Teton National Park; Petrified Forest National Park, and the national office in Washington, D.C. I have always considered the National Park Service my extended family and have many friends to date from these various areas. I have never seen a National Park unit that I haven't liked - they all offer something unique. I've a life full of great memories!
Other | 1940-1960
Submitted 8/11/2009, WETA
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September 11, 2009
Judy, Gardena, CA
If you were at Yosemite in the 50's then you surely must have experienced the great fire falls, which I was surprised you did not mention. My family camped in the Yosemite Valley a couple of times while we were young, and the fire falls were the highlight of the evening as well as sitting around the ranger campfire singing the old campfire songs. The evenings in Yosemite were an especially memorable time.
September 27, 2009
Megan, Milwaukee, WI
Sounds like a wonderful life!