Arrive To: We're delighted you've decided to join us. Please plan to arrive between 3 to 5 p.m. (Not earlier than 2 p.m., please, nor later than 6 p.m.--our staff is available to assist you during those hours only.)

Afternoon: Meet your fellow participants at a get-acquainted social hour beginning at 5 p.m.

Dinner: Dinner in Lyles Hall at 6:00 p.m. Dinner features a delicious main entrée of beef, chicken, fish or pasta, along with potatoes or rice, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and dessert. Please note that only one entree selection is served per meal. Dinner is served until 6:20 p.m. (We are unable to save plates for late arrivals.)

Evening: After dinner, we will have the remainder of our orientation session followed by introductions. The balance of the evening is left free for you to relax after your day's journey. Cards, games & puzzles are available for your enjoyment. Satellite television is accessible in our main dining hall, as is wireless internet. (Bring your own laptop.)

Lodging: Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)

Meals Included: Dinner

From our expert instructor, who has lived and taught in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada for over two decades, gain insights into the forces that continue to shape Yosemite's changing landscape and the critters (including humans) who inhabit it.

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall. An ECCO breakfast buffet may include French toast, waffles or pancakes accompanied by sausage or bacon. Standard items include eggs, hot/cold cereals, fruits, toast or muffins and yogurt.

Morning: Class - "A Rocky Start: An Introduction to Yosemite Geology"

Morning: After a short break, our instructor illustrates what she's taught with a nature walk on ECCO grounds. If you prefer, you may stay in the classroom to look over the reference materials provided. The walk, about 3/4 mile in length, is over level but somewhat uneven terrain. If mobility is an issue, please contact coordinator to discuss. For those who prefer not to walk, you'll have an opportunity to look over our selection of reference materials.

Lunch: Noon - Lunch in Lyles Hall. - Lunch may include a sandwich bar or a hot entrée. These may be offered with a homemade soup of the day and salad bar, along with a dessert.

Afternoon: After a break, your group leaders discuss with you the plan for your field trip tomorrow: what weather to expect, what to wear, your lunch, transportation--all those pieces of information that will help you make the most of your time in Yosemite Valley.

Afternoon: Class continues with an overview of Yosemite/Sierra Nevada flora and fauna.

Afternoon: About 2;30PM - The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the beauty of the Oakhurst/Bass Lake area. Our group leaders will be glad to help you make the most of your time. (Or we may plan an afternoon program for you, related to the subject matter you're studying.)

Dinner: 6:00 p.m. Dinner in Lyles Hall. 6:00 p.m. Dinner in Lyles Hall. Dinner features a delicious main entrée of beef, chicken, fish or pasta, along with potatoes or rice, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and dessert.

Evening: After dinner you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an evening program. This may be a living history presentation, a chance to see live birds of prey up-close-and-personal or a video about Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. Evening activities generally last until about 8:30 p.m. Games, cards and puzzles are available after that, or grab one of our plush clairs around the cozy woodstove and read.

Lodging: Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. (Note the time) - Breakfast in Lyles Hall. The early meal enables us to get a headstart on our travel to Yosemite Valley.

Morning: At 7:45 a.m. the bus loads. Departure is at 8:00 a.m. sharp (or earlier if everyone is on board). The bus is our classroom during our 1.5 hour drive to Yosemite Valley through the communities of Fish Camp and Wawona, past the private development of Yosemite West. View the magnificent Wawona Hotel and golf course en route. Marvel at the eye-popping vista of El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and other features of the valley from world-famous Tunnel View. Trek the quarter-mile to the base of Bridalveil Falls then drive along the Merced River to Sentinel Bridge and Yosemite Chapel.

Lunch: Lunch at a special place in Yosemite Valley.

Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to explore the valley features you most want to see. Your group leaders will help you design your afternoon to take the greatest advantage of your available time.

Afternoon: At the hour and place your group leader indicates, gather to board the bus for your return to ECCO.

Afternoon: After your return from Yosemite, get as dressed up as you wish (suggested: dressy pant suit or cocktail dress for ladies; suit or sport coat for gentlemen) for a special New Year's Eve celebration. Begin with a social hour to give you an opportunity to relive the day's adventures with your companions.

Dinner: Enjoy a festive holiday dinner in our dining hall. After dinner dance to live or DJ music arranged just for you. Or you can visit, play games or relax. The night is yours to enjoy. At midnight lift a champagne toast to the New Year with new-found friends. Celebrate the New Year, mountain-style, until the wee hours of the morning with no need to worry about finding your way home. This is your home away from home!

Lodging: Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst (ECCO)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in Lyles Hall and take the opportunity to say goodbye to those who've shared this journey with you. Departure after breakfast gives you a chance to get an early start on your plans for the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast