A11 Everything seemed to work ok in Yosemity but I couldn't help the feel of strained politeness from what must be stressed rangers. I would double (triple?) the number of rangers, change top NPS management & significantly increase ranger pay & bennifits. Next election, everyone! #parkchat

Q11 If you could make one thing about your park better, what would that be? #parkchat

Q10 Amenities: Are there restaurants/cafes in the park & what's best? Or are there places nearby? Stores? Can you restock - or should you be prepared with everything you need? #parkchat

Q9 Are the entrance lines long, and/or are reservations for lodging a must? Are they on Rec_gov or a private concessionair?  How early should you check availability? Any other tips? #parkchat

A8 Some Hazards in Yosemity: Spring & summer storms can catch you off guard Bears - & the rangers who check that you are complying with strick bear protocol (use the bear boxes!) The Merced River can be deadly Traffic & distracted tourists (photo from WA State) #parkchat

Q8 Are there hazards in your park? Tell us how to prepare, what to avoid #parkchat

A7 The three Yosemite Valley campgrounds, Upper, Lower & North Pines were well managed & super clean, strick on Bear Boxes use. No cell coverage in CG, but service worked in/near Yosemity Village, about a mile, a bike would help! #parkchat

Q7 Tell us about different ways to visit: How are the Lodges &/or campgrounds (tent & RV?). Is there backcountry camping? If it doesn't have hotels or camping or books up early what are there options nearby? #parkchat

A6 Many notables are associated w Yosemity; John Muir, Ansel Adams, Ranger Shelton Johnson. In the 60s writer Shirley Sargent spent yrs writing books about life in the parks. She was disabled but rode a special bike all over the valley - Bikes would best the best way to tour the valley. #parkchat

Q6 Can you tell something, even a small fact or oddity about the parks history? #parkchat

Q5 Are there other nearby activities, sights, parks or public lands? #parkchat

A4 Even pre-Memorial Yosemity was busy, but the crowds thinned dramatically when we took meadow trails (much of the meadows themselves are closed). No one on the Valley Loop Trail from Swinging Bridge to the Chapel. Tioga Rd was open to bicycles only - if you could park. #parkchat

Q4 Is this a busy unit? Are there ways to enjoy without the crowds? Do you have a secret or less visited areas to escape to? #parkchat

A3 Favorit areas in Yosemity Valley: The meadows near Swinging Bridge. Much of the meadows were closed, but the trail was wide, people few. Best walkable view of sunset on Half Dome was from the dump station at N Pines campground. We brought chairs. Glacier Point is jaw dropping #parkchat

Q3 Tell us some must do activities (maybe not the most popular ones?) - trails to hike, sites to see, or exhibits to study in your park(s) #parkchat

A2 Our Yosemity visit started on a Monday, just before Memorial Day. Beautiful weather after spring storms. In the past I've visited in Sept when Tioga Pass (fav area) was open (usually closed until June), and Dec in the Valley - every season is an option & unique. #parkchat

Q2. When is the best time to visit your park(s)? When is it busiest? Is it possible to enjoy your park outside of the prime summer months? #parkchat

A1 I'm no way a Yosemity expert but visited in May after 42 yrs. I'd forgotten how dramatic that first view of El Cap is - you just have to pull off, wander over to Bridalvale Falls. Tips from #Parkchat folks helped make this last minute trip to a busy park a success, will share what I can.

Q1 What is the best thing about your favorite park(s)? Why should we visit? #parkchat

How to Visit Your Favorite Parks: Tonight I'm hoping you can share how to visit & enjoy your favorite parks - any type of park unit, crown jewels to remote monuments, historical parks, trails, refuges, other? Tell us things to see & do, tips and tricks, things to consider. #parkchat

Thanks for this opportunity! I've learned so much from #parkchat over the years - little tips & tricks that have helped with visits, things to seek out. I'm sure everyone has some info to share, even from brief visits to park units they loved. I'm hoping to learn a lot this Wednesday!

A9 Besides the BRP I would recommend Hatteras National Seashore and an excursion to Sackelford Banks Island out of Beaufort NC to see the wild ponys. #parkchat

A8 Kinda grew up w the BRP, family camping in the 60s, later living about 20 mins away before I came west. Linville Gorge is the living heart of the Blue Ridge. #parkchat

Ebeys Landing National Historic Preserve on Whidbey Is WA is a tiny piece of preserved on Whidbey Is WA, tucked between State Park and Private lands. There is a tiny bit of preserved natural prairie there and outstanding views of Puget Sound & Mts. #parkchat

A5 In the East it's Mt Mitchell, an NC State Park just off the BRP. Below is a fence & meadow just off the ramp to the observatory #parkchat

Pileated are back for the July visit.

A11 Sorry, I've been distracted with some family issues that came up & haven't been able to focus on #parkchat (or the game - USA 2 Nil! ) Here are some glacier lilies from Mt Rainier. back in May just as the snow was starting to melt

Happy Solstice from Puget Sound.

We stopped for low tide at Tongue Point, was thinking of you. Don't know the quality or harvest regs, looked like you could just sit there with a stove, cook potst & bottle of wine ... #parkchat