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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Activity note: Lodge check-in from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Afternoon: Program Registration, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in Lyles Dining Hall to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. We'll enjoy our get-acquainted social hour that includes drinks and appetizers.
Dinner: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet of rotating entrees, sides, salads, vegetables, and desserts. Coffee, tea, water, juice are included.
Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Field trips off site will be by shuttle. Field trips to and from Yosemite are around 35 miles each way on country roads. Classes will be held in Lower Lyles West or the chapel, a short walk from Lyles. Please note this is not an active outdoor program, however this and the field trip on Day 5 may include walks/hikes of varying lengths to enhance and illustrate the subjects being taught. If mobility is an issue, please contact the coordinator for further information. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then enjoy a short, award-winning video from the National Park Service about Yosemite National Park. The balance of the evening is left free to relax after our day's journey.
Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Minimal walking around campus.
Breakfast: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet of rotating breakfast items like eggs, hot/cold cereals, fruit, toast or muffins, yogurt, and granola. Coffee, tea, water, juice are included.
Morning: After breakfast, we will enjoy our first water coloring class with our instructor, getting acquainted with our equipment and subjects.
Lunch: At Lyles Dining Hall, we will enjoy a buffet meal that may include a sandwich bar or a hot entrée. Other offerings include a homemade soup of the day and salad bar, along with a dessert. Coffee, tea, water, juice are included.
Afternoon: Our class continues, as we paint to our heart's content under the guidance of our expert instructor.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy an evening presentation from a local expert, which could range from a live animal presentation, living history performance, musical or artistic guests, or lectures on human and cultural history of the area.
Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 70 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley, departing by 8:00 a.m. We will first stop Tunnel View, with that famous first glimpse of Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rocks. As we view the woodlands through the conifer forest, we’ll drop down into the glacially-carved valley of Yosemite to visit Sentinel Bridge and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Lunch: In Yosemite Valley, we will enjoy a sack lunch we packed this morning, consisting of sandwiches, chips, fruit, and other snacks. Water is included.
Afternoon: We will enjoy a painting lesson in the park with the help of our instructor. The shuttle departs for ECCO by 3:00 p.m.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.
Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking distance is dependent upon activities chosen for free day.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley, departing by 8:00 a.m. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. For those who wish, bring your painting supplies and enjoy the opportunity to capture Yosemite's beauty in watercolors.
Lunch: Yosemite sack lunch.
Afternoon: More free time in the park. Feel free to keep painting or visit Yosemite Valley. The shuttle will depart for ECCO by 3:00 p.m.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.
Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Getting on/off shuttle. Approximately 60 miles, 3 hours of riding today on country roads. Walking approximately 1 mile.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: After packing lunch, we will board the shuttle for our third day of exploration in Yosemite, with departure at 8:00 a.m. We’ll enjoy the varying landscapes and historic structures as subjects for our painting.
Lunch: Yosemite sack lunch.
Afternoon: We will resume our exploration of Yosemite. Our shuttle will depart no later than 3:30 p.m.
Dinner: Dining hall buffet.
Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.
Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Lodge check-out by 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Dining hall buffet.
Morning: We will enjoy our last class of the week.
Lunch: Dining hall buffet. This concludes our program.
Afternoon: If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Class of 2019
Would like to do it again. I learned that several people drove to yosimite came from my direction. Wish we could have carpooled. I drove alone 5 hours.
Class of 2018
The beauty of Yosemite and the joy of watercolor perfectly describes this program, which comprises five days of just that. The lodging and food are sublime, the park fills the senses with stunning beauty, and playing with paint is even more fun with like-minded compatriots.
Class of 2017
Would encouraged any beginners who are interested to give it a try. This program had people with a variety of skills, and was very supportive for us newbies. Also the scenery at Yosemite is spectacular!
Class of 2018
It was a wonderful week with perfect October weather for being in Yosemite. Our instructor was knowledgeable and generous in her painting tips and suggestions. She brought the experience to life. The accomodations were as described, spartan but clean. The food service was excellent and above expectations. The pacing was good with just enough time to relax on your own when needed. Our group leader was very organized and lots of fun. She was always available when needed. I highly recommend this trip and may even do it again myself.
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