AboutMaryJo Mellado Willey Expertise I have been going to Yosemite National Park since I was 10 years old (back in 1970), and consider one of my favorite places in the world. I have camped there, stayed in cabins, Housekeeping, and the tent cabins in Curry Village. I have gone on various hikes, and visited different sites.
My family and I are heading to Yosemite's Housekeeping Camp in early June, 2008. I was wondering if you could help us with a few questions.
1)Is the canvas roof waterproof or should we bring a tarp? 2)Is it true that fire rings are shared between two units? 3)Would a space heater be enough to keep out the chill, given that we bring sleeping bags? It seems that there are huge gaps in the shower curtain door. I was thinking of bringing a draft dodger or cotton batting. Is that overkill? We just hate being cold!
Your advice is much appreciated. You might be the same MaryJo who gave us such wonderful Sequoia advice some years back. We've loved camping at Lodgepole for many years now! Thanks, if that was you. And thanks, in advance, for your tips on Housekeeping Camp.
Debbie
Answer Wow - Lucky you - the waterfalls are going to be so full!
You won't need a tarp for the roof - The canvas roofs are waterproof.
Although there is electricity in the "tents" I don't know if there is enough energy to provide for space heaters - they really do suck up a lot of energy & you might not be allowed to have them, but I'm not sure, so take it, but don't be surprised if they don't let you use it.
As for the canvas curtain door - it's pretty heavy, and you have a semi-private patio in front of it, so I don't think you'll be getting any wind blowing in. Having said that, we went when it was really hot, and slept in t-shirts & shorts, so I might not be accurate for cooler weather. I'm trying to remember, and if anything, maybe you want to take a sheet that you can tack on the 'door' so that it covers the gap between the ties where you close the curtain.
The floor is made of cement, so you might want to put a blanket there to step on between the beds. Another way to keep warm is to put two sleeping bags together, especially in the double bed - body warmth, and sleep on top of your jacket (not wearing it, but have it under or over you in the sleeping bag to keep it warm.
I am probably the same Mary Jo who answered you about Lodgepole. I'm glad it worked out for you. We're going back there at the end of June w/my sister-in-law & her family. I'm used to warm-hot weather so this will be a 'different' experience for us. :)
Have a great trip! I was there in November, and might have to make another quick trip out there in a few weeks - it's my favorite place in the world!
