High Country Women

I’ll be signing copies of the new book High Country Women: Pioneers of Yosemite National Park tomorrow from 1-4 p.m. at the Mariposa Chamber of Commerce.  California Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen was going to attend, but something came up.  She sent along a letter to share with visitors tomorrow.  That was right nice of her.  In addition to her note I thought I’d include a few facts about Yosemite.  Enjoy.  Ribbon Falls in Yosemite National Park is 9 times larger than Niagra Falls.  El Capitan is the largest granite block in the world.  There are 747,956 acres of land in Yosemite National Park Mountains at Yosemite National Park are still growing at a rate of 1 foot per 1,000 years 94% of the park is designated “wilderness”.  In 1899, almost 100 years after the Park was established, there were only 4,500 visitors. Today, more than 4 million have visited the beauty that Yosemite National Park holds.  And now a word from Assemblywoman Olsen.  Dear Ms. Enss,  Congratulations on the launch of your book High Country Women: Pioneers of Yosemite National Park.  I’m sorry I wasn’t able to join you in person today, but I am honored to have had the opportunity to write the forward for your book and to be a part of your historic work. As we all know, California is an incredible place to live, and it’s because of its rich history and natural resources that so many people choose to call it home. Reading High Country Women took me back, not only to centuries ago when several inspiring and incredible women shaped the future of our state, but also to my childhood when I enjoyed visiting Yosemite and California’s Gold Country on a frequent basis with my family.  You did an exceptional job of chronicling the many strong women whose lives were integral to the Yosemite we all know and love today. I thank you for the time and talent you invested in this book so that many others can take the same journey.   All the best,  Kristin Olsen Assemblywoman, 12^th District.