March 2015
Pictured here, Outdoorsy Mama takes in the view during a Yosemite Valley bicycle tour.
Madera County - California's Gateway to Yosemite
News from the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

About the Photo:
Gazing at Half Dome during a Yosemite Valley bicycle tour. 

Riding a bicycle through the valley is a great way to explore and get a more personal experience with the park. You can bring your own bike or rent one in the valley. Try a bike to hike tour! 

Would you like your image featured in our newsletter?Instagram it with  #yosemitesierra_news or email kim@yosemitethisyear.com
Now accepting images for March and April. 

March is a stunning month in Yosemite and surrounding areas. The first of spring flowers have already begun to add their brilliant colors to the landscape. Waterfalls roar with fresh snow melt and feed the valley rivers below, creating a serene scene for all to enjoy. 

 

There are many fun things to do in March. The historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad opens for the season. The area will celebrate with St. Patrick's day events and the first of the Easter celebrations begin in March. It is a great time to embark on a hike in the park or explore around the valley before the crowds return. 


Contact the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau to plan your early spring excursion through Madera County to Yosemite today. 

In This Issue
March Events
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Opens for the Season

Saturday, March 7th 

On March 7th, the historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will kick off their 50th season with a steam train at 9:30am. They have added more trains to the 2015 schedule and starting March 14th they will be open 7 days a week with daily steam strain and/or rail car excursions.

Also on site is the Thornberry Museum featuring interesting relics from a by-gone era and gold panning where you can dip your hands into history and relive the excitement of the gold rush. 

Be sure to answer the trivia question at the bottom of the newsletter for a chance to win a gift certificate for 2 adults and 2 children aboard the logger. 
Live Music at South Gate Brewing Co.

Monday, March 2nd - The Jespersons
Saturday, March 7th - Acousta Noir

Head over to  South Gate Brewing Co. in March for live music, great beer and delicious food. This is a great stop on your way into the park or on the road out after a long day of exploring Yosemite. 
March 2nd features live folk/americano music by The Jespersons. And March 7th features dirty rock from Bend, Oregon by Acousta Noir. 
Brewmaster's Dinner at Ducey's 

March 12th

Don't miss another delicious Brewmaster's Dinner at Ducey's on the Lake located just out of the southern entrance of Yosemite. 

You'll delight in amazing views of Bass Lake while enjoying a wonderful beer and food- paired meal featuring beer from  South Gate Brewing Co.
Chowchilla Western Stampede

March 13th 10 am

Be sure to stop along the famous Fossil to Falls trail, for the Chowchilla Western Stampede.  This is a must-see historic cattle drive event. Cowboys will stampede cattle through the historic Robertson Blvd.
St. Patty's Day Celebrations on Bass Lake

March 14th 12pm  at the Pines Bar
March 17th 11am-8pm  Ducey's Bar & Grill

On March 14th head over to the Pines Bar for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Drink specials will be offered all day and live entertainment begins at 9pm.

On the 17th don't miss the St. Patrick's Day Specials at Ducey's Bar & Grill. Enjoy a traditional Irish meal and Irish entertainment.
"An Evening with Joe and Alison Sharino" an Acoustic Performance presented byTenaya Lodge at Yosemite

March 21st 

 

Head to Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite for a special show and buffet dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Joe and Allison Sharino will perform the best of classic rock, pop, folk, soul and country music.
Bunny Scavenger Hunt at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

March 27th - April 5th

The kids will love the Bunny Scavenger Hunt at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. See Concierge for details. 
Easter Comes to Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 

April 3 & 4 - Easter Egg Decorating Workshop
April 5 - Easter Champagne Brunch

 

Reserve your spot at the Easter Egg Decorating Workshop with the Concierge for April 3rd and 4th.
On April 5th enjoy an Easter Champagne Brunch. Kids will enjoy a Petting Zoo on the Terrace and Pony Rides from 9am-3pm. 
7-12 Easter Egg Hunt at 10am.
0-8 Easter Egg Hunt at 11am.

Coming Up! 
Be sure to plan ahead for these great events & activities in and around Yosemite! 
Bass Lake Classic Triathlon

May 30th

Don't miss the Bass Lake Classic Triathlon this year. The course is set at beautiful Bass Lake, located just miles from Yosemite National Park's southern entrance. You'll find yourself competing in fresh air among the pines. 
Yosemite Festival, Oakhurst

June 27th

Join us for a festival for all ages honoring Yosemite's history, adventure, art & culture! This year the Yosemite Festival honors the 125th Anniversary of Yosemite National Park. The festival is held in Oakhurst, near Yosemite's southern entrance.
Learn More
Ales and Trails
 
July 15th-19th
 
Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides have teamed up with South Gate Brewery to craft a truly unique beer and back country trip in the Southern Yosemite High Country. 

Hike through a rich sub-alpine environment, based from a central lakeside tented camp. SYMG is renowned for preparing "back country gourmet" food, and they even have mules to pack in plenty of comfortable camp amenities for you. 
For a full calendar of events in and around Yosemite, visit YosemiteThisYear.com. 

News Alert
Yosemite Re-Introduces Big Horned Sheep to Cathedral Range
 
We are very excited to inform you that March 2015 will see 14 big horned sheep re-introduced to the Cathedral Range in Yosemite National Park. Ten ewes and four rams selected for their diversity will be making the range their home once again after many years of being absent. 
Ahwahnee adds Electric Vehicle Charging Station!

The  Ahwahnee now has an electric vehicle charging station with two chargers, including a Tesla charger donated by the company. The original charging station is still located in Yosemite Village at the garage, for a total of three chargers in Yosemite Valley. They are looking to place more chargers in other park locations.  

News & Specials
Stay at Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites and save on meals!

Now - March 19th

Book accommodations now through March 19th to take advantage of their Crab Cakes Restaurant Special and enjoy a complimentary appetizer valued up to $14 with the purchase of two full price dinner entrees. Just mention you are a guest of Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites.
Check out more fantastic discounted specials and packages.
10% Off at Bass Lake Water Sports!

Now - Spring

Located in Pines Village, the Bass Lake Water Sports and Boat Rentals has fishing and pontoon boats for rent all Winter and Spring 7 days a week! In addition, they offer guided fishing tours to turn you and your family into professional anglers. The fishing on Bass Lake is great! Be sure to keep your eyes out for the eagle on your fishing tour. 

Visit the Bass Lake Water Sports website and download a coupon for 10% off. 
Lucky March at The Redwoods in Yosemite

March

Stay during the month of March and receive a 15% discount off your stay and a lucky token for each night you stay. Each token represents your name in a drawing to win a gift certificate for a 2-night stay at The Redwoods. 


Featured Recipe
March's featured recipe is English Sticky Toffee Pudding. This delicious treat comes compliments of Sweet Dreams Wedding Cakes and Flowers. 

Watch a demonstration of this and 3 other delicious Sweet Dreams recipes on  Great Day KMPH Fox 26 from last month's show.
 
 
1 Dozen English Sticky Toffee Puddings

 

1 cup + 1 tbsp

All-Purpose Flour

1 tsp

Baking Powder

¾ cup

Pitted Dates

1 ¼ cups

Boiling Water

1 tsp

Baking Soda

¼ cup

Unsalted Butter (softened)

¾ cup

Granulated Sugar

1

Large Egg (lightly beaten)

1 tsp

Vanilla

 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter and line cupcake pan.
  • Sift flour and baking powder onto a sheet of waxed paper.
  • Chop the dates fine; place in a small bowl and add the boiling water and baking soda; set aside.
  • In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with electric mixer.
  • Add the egg and vanilla; beat until blended.
  • Gradually beat in flour mixture.
  • Add date mixture to batter and fold with rubber spatula until blended.
  • Pour into prepared cupcake liners; bake until pudding is set and firm on top (about 35 minutes).
  • Remove from oven to wire rack; let cool.
  • Remove from cupcake pan. Remove liners and place on heatproof serving plate.
  • Add toffee sauce on top and place under broiler until topping is bubbling.
  • Top with whipped cream and toffee bits.
  • Serve immediately.

Toffee Sauce

 

½ cup

Unsalted Butter

½ cup

Heavy Cream

1 cup

Packed Light Brown Sugar

1 cup

Heavy Cream (whipped)

  • Combine butter, heavy cream and brown sugar in a small, heavy saucepan.
  • Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
  • Boil gently over medium-low heat until moisture is thickened (about 8 minutes).

Enter to Win! (prize)
Answer the trivia question below correctly to be entered in a drawing to win:

A gift certificate for a train ride for two adults & two children on the historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is an exciting 4-mile railroad excursion at Yosemite Park's Sough gate on highway 41. Ride into history where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra Mountains. 



Monthly Trivia 
This month's topic: Animals in the Park
 
How many native animal species disappeared from the park by the early 1900's?
 
a.) 1             b.)  3           c.) 5

Can you name the animal species? 
 


Tweet your answer @YosemiteGateway or email kim@yosemitethisyear.com with "Monthly Trivia" in the subject line. Submit your answer no later than March 16th, 2015. 

We will announce the answer in next month's newsletter!

Congratulations to the lucky winner of February's newsletter trivia, Sabin. Sabin won a 1/2 day rock climbing adventure with the Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides. 

February's trivia answer was "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." 

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