Half Dome Permit Information

The following information is from the NPS website. For more information you can find FAQ's at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdfaq.htm

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are now required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. This is an interim measure to increase safety along the cables while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail.

Beginning in 2010, all people using the Half Dome Trail above the subdome must have a permit in possession on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. A maximum of 400 permits will be issued each of these days. (Before the permit system, fewer than 400 people used this trail on weekdays, while about 800 people used this trail on weekends and holidays, on average.)

In 2010, permits are available up to about four months in advance to one week in advance only through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). Permits are not available in the park or on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand for permits will be very high; availability may last only a matter of minutes on the first day permits become available. Each permit has a service fee of $1.50 (which covers the cost of NRRS processing the permit; Yosemite does not receive any money).

Note: Backpackers with an appropriate wilderness permit can receive a Half Dome permit when they pick up their wilderness permit with no additional reservation required. Rock climbers who reach the top of Half Dome without entering the subdome area can descend on the Half Dome Trail without a permit.

The Half Dome Cables are usually in place and available for use the third Friday in May, conditions permitting. The last day to use them usually is Columbus Day Monday. We can not guarantee the cables will be available on any given date. If you choose to get a permit for dates in May or October, there is an increased chance the cables will not be in place.

If you are unable to hike Half Dome for any reason (including weather, cables not available, illness, etc.) on the day you have a permit, you will not be able to get a permit for a different date.

Web Cam

Here is a link to our local web cam. It is positioned just south of the Highway 41/49 junction. It is located about 5 miles south of A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast at a place called Deadwood. This is one of the highest points in the town of Oakhurst so if there is snow anywhere it will be here. The bed and breakfast is at a slightly higher elevation so we may have snow even if there is no snow on Deadwood.

Check it out:

http://www.sti.net/webcam/index.html

New Years Eve

Ring in the New Year. It's hard to believe that 2009 is already about to be a memory, but that's no reason not to celebrate in style. There are many fun ways to ring in 2010 near Yosemite. Stay at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast and go to one of these wonderful dinner parties. Call (559)642-6975 or email bedofroses@sti.net if you would like to make reservations.


Ducey's, located at The Pines Resort at Bass Lake is offering an exciting Celebration Package, including a festive, 5-course dinner, live entertainment, dancing, party favors and a midnight champagne toast for only $87.50 per person. to plan ahead, you can see their menu or call (559) 692-8855 for reservations.



Erna's Elderberry House, the region's only five star restaurant, has a very special evening planned as well. Courses include a decadent Sonoma Foie Gras, a delicious celebration of Veal and Beef, and an enticing Raspberry-Champagne Tort for desert. And that's just a small teaser of what they are offering. The full menu, including seating times and pricing, is available online.



The Tenaya Lodge will also be celebrating New Year's Eve in style as they pair their delicious dinner and live entertainment as well as a champagne toast with discounts on lodging, and a special Champagne Breakfast the next morning. You can find out more, or make your reservations online.



After ringing in the new year, perhaps you would like to head in to Yosemite and partake in the special New Year's Day brunch at the Wawona. Their special brunch will be open from 10:30 until 2 New Year's Day, with favorites like Eggs Benedict, Cheese Blintzes with strawberry sauce, Pork Tenderloin with a Fig Port winesauce, broiled salmon with citrus fennel relish and much more.

Pumpkin Butter recipe

By popular demand here is a very good pumpkin butter recipe. This butter is full of the flavors of the holidays. Thick and delicious, you'll spread holiday cheer as you spread it on fresh bread in the morning. We serve it here at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast with toast or homemade muffins or scones. We also make it to give as hostess gifts in pretty decorated jars during the holidays. Several guests have asked for the recipe so here it is courtesy of Safeway/Vons:

Pumpkin Butter

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

15 ounces 100% Pure Pumpkin

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

Combine pumpkin, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 months. Recipe makes 2 cups (32 servings-1 tablespoon per serving)

First Snow 2009

Yeah!! We waited up late last night for snow to arrive. It snowed a little but, it wasn't enough to stick. And then this morning about 10 AM the snow really began to fall. There are several inches accumulated on the ground right now. Oh, it is so beautiful. This is our favorite time of year.

Caio, his wife Barbara and their cute 4 year old daughter, Giselle spent several days here but had to leave this morning. Here is a picture of them just before they left. You can see Giselle didn't want to leave. She said she wanted to stay here and play some more. She helped to feed the animals in the petting zoo this morning out in the snow.

All of the animals came out to take a quick look at the snow. They ate their breakfast and went back to their cozy beds.

Hercules and Minnie have found nice warm spots near the fire to stay cozy.

Traveling with pets

We're proud to be pet friendly at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast. Here are some tips for traveling with your pet.

Assess your pet.

Be honest about your pet's ability to travel. Be sure your pet is in optimum health for travel. If your pet is very young or old, or is ill it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel. Check with your lodging choice to be sure your pet will be welcome. Some establishments have size limits.

Schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Ask your vet about any flea, heartworm, or tick risks for areas you will be visiting. If your pet gets carsick or restless when traveling, ask your vet about appropriate medications or treatments.

Seriously consider having your pet microchipped. If your pet becomes separated from you many humane societies and shelters nationwide use scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet.

Make certain all vaccinations are up to date and obtain current health and rabies certificates no more than ten (10) days prior to your departure. These are required if your pet is traveling by air. You are also strongly recommended to have these documents if your plans do not include air travel. You may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without theses certificates. And, if your pet requires emergency medical care, having these will allow care to take place much more quickly and without dangerous duplication of vaccinations.

Obtain a secure carrier for your pet.

You need a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably. Additionally it must comply with any airline requirements. Print your pets name and your name, address and phone number on the outside of the crate with permanent marker. Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.

Verify that your pet's tags are current.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated.

Before you leave.

Trim your pet's nails. Pets with freshly trimmed nails will be less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to carry and restrain if necessary. Bathe and rid your pet of any fleas to avoid infesting its new surroundings.

Things to bring.

-A sturdy leash and an extra collar.
-An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car and to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
-Food. Bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
-Portable water bowl. If your pet is sensitive, bring water from home to mix with unfamiliar water.
-Treats, toys or chew items.
-All required medications, supplements and preventatives.
-Tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
-Brush or comb, lint and hair remover.
-Waste removal bags.
-An old towel to wipe wet or dirty paws.
-Carpet cleaner for accidents.
-First aid kit.
-Flashlight for nighttime walks.

Be prepared for the worst.

While no one likes to think about it, many pets do become separated while away from home. To increase chances of a safe and quick return, bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet including breed, sex, age, weight, height, and any microchip or tattoo numbers.

While you're traveling.

Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times. Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet's normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days.

Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room. Clean up after your pet.

Have a safe trip.

Happy Thanksgiving

Greetings from A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast and Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite. Today is a special day to take the time to be thankful for all that is good in our lives. It is an especially good time to be thankful for family and friends. Time to enjoy the company of those we love and care about.

We are very thankful for all of our wonderful guests; past, present and future. We have a full house for this Thanksgiving holiday and are thankful for that.

Wherever you are and whoever you are with, take time today to look around you and find things to be thankful for.

Warmest thoughts from Jenine and Josie

"I ate too much turkey,
I ate too much corn,
I ate too much pudding and pie,
I'm stuffed up with muffins and much too much stuffin',
I'm probably going to die.

I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I'm so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.

I'm full of tomatoes and french fried potatoes,
my stomach is swollen and sore,
but there's still some dessert,
so I guess it won't hurt
if I eat just a little bit more."
- Jack Prelutsky, I Ate Too Much