Hello, Word Nerds! I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long, but I had a fabulous summer traveling and spending time with the kids, and I hope to share some things I learned in the weeks to come. For starters, I’m highlighting my trip to the amazing Yosemite National Park.
The Origin of “Yosemite”
The name of this famous park has an interesting history that I’d like to explore in honor of Wondrous Words Wednesday. If you like to learn about words, visit Bermuda Onion for the Wondrous Words Wednesday meme, where bloggers share new words they’ve learned from reading.
Yosemite is filled with amazing natural beauty, so you might think its name means “beautiful” or “impressive”. Nope. In the Indian language of Miwok, Yosemite means “those who kill”. The Miwok people who lived near the Yosemite Valley used this name to describe the fearsome tribe of renegades who lived in the valley under the rule of Chief Tenaya.
Tenaya’s people called the Valley Awooni or Owwoni for (gaping) “large mouth.” This is an excellent description of the Valley, which is walled in on each side by breathtaking and enormous rock formations.
If the people who lived in the Valley actually called it Awooni, why do we call it Yosemite today? L.H. Bunnell named the Valley in 1851, following a common practice of European settlers to ignore Indian place names. Bunnell was part of the Mariposa Battalion, a group of local miners who joined ranks to defend themselves against Indian raids. Bunnell named the area after the Indian tribe the battalion captured and drove out of the Valley.
More info at Origin of the Word Yosemite.
If you’ve never been to Yosemite, I highly recommend it. The views are gorgeous, and you can find easy hikes or very challenging ones. The hike to the top of Nevada Fall took us up to 9600 feet. My legs shook while I took the shot above.
Everything at Yosemite is huge, making you feel small and bringing life in general into perspective. It’s a great destination for a family trip, with long hours to bond while hiking, chatting, and sharing PB&J sandwiches.
Yosemite Travel Tips
- Stay inside of the park. We rented a VRBO cabin in Wawona, about a 30 minute drive from the Valley, and avoided huge lines of traffic at the gates.
- Get up and out early, again to avoid the congestion and the heat.
- Rent a bike to explore the Valley floor. The price was reasonable, although the bikes were cruisers with coaster brakes. (I was jealous of the tourists with mountain bikes.) We pedaled past great views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome and covered much more ground than we could have on foot.
- A great hike: the Mist Trail. If you make it to the top, you’ll see two fantastic waterfalls. You’ll also climb over 600 steps. *feel the burn*
- Intersperse hiking trips with less strenuous activities, like horseback riding or hanging out in a river.
- Make the hour drive out to Toulunme Meadows. You’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Sierras and Alpine Lakes, especially if you do the Cathedral Lakes hike.
- Travel with experienced hikers and backpackers. Our friends Kate and Aaron came prepared with mosquito netting, plenty of water bottles and backpacks, and tons of general hiking knowledge, like how to prepare for using the bathroom in the wilderness. (You’ll need a small roll of TP and an extra zip lock to “pack out” any used paper. )
- Pack “lip goop” and lotion. Our east coast skin wasn’t used to the California dryness. And be ready to breathe some dust.
- For a great resource, check out the travel book Yosemite: The Complete Guide, by James Kaiser.
Have you ever been to Yosemite? Can you share any tips? Do you know an interesting story behind a popular vacation destination?
Thanks for adding to the discussion!
Yosemite is on my list of places to go! I’d like to go while I’m still fit enough to hike without seriously injuring myself.
We learned some interesting history about Seattle during the underground tour we took – fascinating!
A lot of the trails are accessible to a variety of fitness levels – but, I encourage you to stay fit, get to Yosemite, and hit those 600 steps!
It’s always good to learn something new – even during R & R.
I never knew that about Yosemite. What wonderful pics–looks like everyone had a great time! The scenery there is so beautiful. I heard from fellow writer Evelyne Holingue that the lunar rainbows are neat, too. (But I’ve never gone at night.)
I love how you bring new words and meaning into every post – even family vacations! Beautiful scenery – I wild love to go, esp on a bike!
I’ve never been that far west but would love to some day. Your photos are gorgeous. Thanks for giving us the background on the name.
Your pictures are beautiful. It sounds like you’ve been having a wonderful summer Julia. I’ve been to Yosemite many times over the past 60 years. I can’t say that I recall hearing the definition for it, although I’ve read a lot of literature and listened to the Ranger talks. Thanks for sharing.
A beautiful scenic vacation, thanks! for sharing.